Chronic or compulsive masturbation disorder, also referred to as masturbation addiction, is a sexual addiction where someone is driven to masturbate excessively. Since the behavior is categorized as a compulsion, the disorder is sometimes called OCD masturbation, which fits under the larger umbrella of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Masturbation itself is not considered a deviant or medically dangerous act. However, it can present issues and challenges to daily living when practiced compulsively.

Contact Santé Center for Healing today and get connected to sex addiction treatment services. Our professional, compassionate staff can help you find healing and recovery.

What Is Compulsive Masturbation?

Compulsive masturbation is the most common sexual addiction in both men and women and, as mentioned previously, can be classified as a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is often an isolating disorder due to how much of society continues to view masturbation as deviant, shameful, or dirty. People who struggle with OCD masturbation are unlikely to discuss it with anyone and are even less likely to seek treatment out of fear or shame.

The behavior may or may not be accompanied by the usage of pornography, which can itself be linked to a distinct addiction called porn addiction. This type of obsessive masturbation falls into one of two categories: routine or binge masturbation. Both are still considered part of the larger OCD disorder.

• People in the routine category engage in the behavior according to a regular schedule. This behavior may involve a particular place or be in response to a specific environmental or emotional trigger.
• On the other hand, binge masturbation occurs in distinct periods of hours or days. Individuals on a binge may continue the behavior even if it results in injury to their genitals. Binge periods may be accompanied by illicit drug use or erratic behavior.

Again, masturbation is not inherently deviant or dangerous, but compulsive maturation can lead to consequences in daily life and possible injury.

Consequences of Compulsive Masturbation

The core of the disorder is that people engage in masturbation to avoid discomfort and to self-soothe. Life consequences people with this disorder often face include:

• A lack of sexual intimacy with others
• Feelings of depression and anxiety
• Sexual dysfunction
• Relationship issues
• Genital injury

As mentioned earlier, the shame and stigma surrounding masturbation and OCD means most people with this disorder do not seek help. If they do seek help, it is often instead for the issues related to their behavior, such as depression, anxiety, or sexual dysfunction. People with compulsive masturbation often fail to see this particular sexual behavior as the root cause of their issues.

Getting Treatment for Compulsive Masturbation

Chances are that compulsive masturbation is just one part of a complex mental health condition. As mentioned, it could be tied to obsessive-compulsive disorder, but also substance use disorder, depression, anxiety, or any other mental health issues.

Professional treatment centers like Santé Center for Healing handle compulsive masturbation disorder in similar ways to other presentations of OCD. This means ongoing, in-depth therapy matched with group therapy or even participation in a 12-step program. OCD treatment centers partner with their patients to discover the root causes of compulsive masturbation disorder to produce long-term, positive results.

Recognized causes of compulsive masturbation include:

• An underlying mental health disorder, like depression or anxiety, whose symptoms are then managed by the compulsive behavior
• Genetic factors that leave people more susceptible to addiction
• Emotional pain or trauma that someone tries to mask through compulsive masturbation

In addition to intensive, evidence-based therapeutic approaches, treatment centers work with patients to identify healthy coping mechanisms and employ holistic approaches to treat the client’s body, mind, and emotions. Replacing negative, damaging behavior with something more productive can be most helpful.

Overcoming Compulsive Masturbation at Santé Center for Healing

Santé Center for Healing specializes in behavioral health treatment, such as substance use disorders and mental health conditions like OCC or compulsive masturbation. Our expert clinicians support individuals in a safe, supportive, judgment-free environment focused entirely on recovery.

Two aspects emphasized in treating compulsive masturbation are identifying triggers and rebuilding damaged relationships. For the second piece, repairing relationships and forging new bonds is key to addressing compulsive masturbation disorder. That is mainly because the behavior is self-isolating and takes away from authentic investment in supportive relationships.

Santé CHealing’s Healing’s trained professionals are here to help you reclaim your life. Call us today at 866.238.3154 or reach out online.