24 Year old dealing with massage parlor addiction

Definitely relate to that feeling. Each day feels like I am really working towards my peak potential in terms of mental health, motivation, discipline, social levels, health etc. I do feel extremely accomplished that I have made it this far and I’m grateful for the new insight I receive each day. Slowly but surely, this stepping stone is going to continue leading to great things. Thank you

 

Thank you!! I can’t even begin to explain the amount of inner confidence and energy I have built due to me being able to handle my urges instead of the other way around. It changes the perspective for so many things and challenges in general. This type of lesson was needed and I’m glad I made it over the hump. I appreciate you!

 

Day 13 - Urges were very minimal today. I truly believe I have passed the most tough days (the first week and a half). It’s very possible the urges can come back stronger within these next few weeks but I am prepared for it.

Another cool thing I’ve learned while being on this forum is writing down your feelings/thoughts is so underrated. I feel like everyone has heard about the benefits but it’s very hard to experience the true advantages of it until you do it. Since I started doing this (on this forum), my mind doesn’t feel as cluttered and I’m able to think a lot more clearly. That’s been the central theme and main benefit I’ve seen throughout the last 13 days.

I feel that the act of writing down my emotions and thoughts is something I’ll continue to integrate off this forum too. If anyone is reading this, try it out if you have felt the same in the past or do feel the same. It works wonders, especially when it’s coupled with amazing people that are wanting you to succeed and work towards your goals. Just a random remark lol.

Overall, I would say today was the best day in terms of everything overall, since I quit. I’m really starting to get in tune with myself/thoughts. Removing the massages has benefited me in literally every single aspect of my life. Money, time, energy, social aspect, health, and everything. I’ve been a lot more productive with school/work and maximizing work/life balance. I feel great.

I appreciate you all for reading these posts and I don’t do it for any reason aside for just documenting everything so that I can look back at this in the future. Also, I’m hoping that anyone who is going through a sexual addiction understands that you can beat it. I am the type of person that likes to think he can do things on his own but in total transparency, I don’t know how the results would have turned out if I didn’t start writing here everyday. The amount of support on here still blows my mind and I’m grateful.
Thank you and have a great day/night!!!

 

Day 14 - 2 weeks has officially passed by and man does it feel great. There was a period earlier today where I felt an intense surge of sensations for about 5-7 minutes. I remember that feeling as being the same feeling I used to deal with. My brain becomes over-stimulated and I start to disconnect. Basically, it is the feeling that I need to get something. I knew that deep down, I wouldn't give in. It was a feeling of internal confidence that made me even more proud due to the fact that I had control of the situation. I just laid in bed, closed my eyes, and took deep breaths. After about 10 minutes I was totally fine again.

I am really becoming more connected with myself and those around me. I have been waking up a lot earlier and more energized too which is great.

Really hoping to hit another hike this weekend!

 

Day 15 - today was a pretty good day, except that I woke up with a huge headache. I’m strongly convinced that it’s because I haven’t gone to a massage parlor since I quit. Oh well, that’s part of the process and the negative habits leaving my body. I took some advil and felt better lol. I also had sore muscles which I’ve read is a common symptom for quitting porn, sex addictions, etc

I’ve noticed that I feel a lot more calm, collected, and certain. It’s a weird feeling but I just feel like things are working out. I’ve had a lot more responsibilities with my life but I’ve been able to handle them a lot more smoothly. The time that I’ve gained from not going to massage parlors has allowed me to actually relax and take breaks while working. Before, I would work for hours straight not realizing that my productivity levels were not optimal since I felt rushed/lazy.

I’ve been feeling a lot better overall feel connected with myself and those around me. It’s a great feeling and I’m grateful.

I hope you all have an amazing weekend!

 

thank you!

 

I believe in you!! It’s not easy and I know exactly what it feels like to be in that position. What’s helped me the most is documenting my day and how I’ve been feeling. Also, the support from others in this forum has helped immensely.

I’m here for you if you want to chat or talk about it. I know you can do this brother.

 

I appreciate you for writing this and in many ways, relate to you. No need to apologize. Sharing your story is the first step to healing and I’m a firm believer of this.

Our mind plays crazy tricks on us and seeks those extreme forms of sexual activities to help us feel calm and relaxed, only causing it become worse. It starts to affect all areas of your life and just like it did to me, really screwed over my outlook on happiness, friendships, etc

For me personally, I just had enough of the feeling like I was running/hiding from my problems instead of dealing it with healthy manner. We’re all here to help and support you on your journey brother.

You got this!

 

This is very true. At the time, I told myself that massages were the best thing for me and came up with all this BS as to why I should continue. I never really made the effort to try to strengthen the true interpersonal/intrapersonal relationships around me and once I did, I could feel the urges slowly go away.

It’s a lot more than just going for a happy ending. It’s internal issues that we push to the side and the sexual addiction/acts are a source to cope with that. It’s all about identifying those causes and putting in an honest effort at improving those situations within our lives.

 

Day 16 - Today was a good day in terms of my energy/mood levels. I had a lot of small busy tasks (work/school related) and normally, I would be in a somewhat agitated mood. I’m starting to avoid that and instead, remain calm and cool. Having control over your emotions is one of the hardest things to do, but it’s also the most rewarding.

I also think that I am officially clear of any intense urges and feel 100% in control of my cravings. I originally came here to write my feelings and get insight from others. You guys have been nothing but the best and so damn supportive, it’s truly remarkable. I hope every single one of you achieves the things you want in life. Even though I don’t know any of you personally, I can truly call you guys my brothers.

I’m not going to be active these next few days due to a lot of projects coming up (and I’m starting to prioritize sleeping earlier) but I’ll pop in about a week for now to let you know how it’s been. (Also, thank you all for listening to me share my day, thoughts, etc)

If for some reason the urges are intense, I’ll come back before then and write about it but I believe I’ll be okay.

Keep up the good work guys and thank you for everything