Help With Masturbation Addiction

[durantfan1]

I’m a Catholic teen, and I consider myself devout, but 3 months ago I masturbated once, and I’ve been addicted since. I know that it is a mortal sin, so I’ve been trying to stop, but every few days or so I lose control and masturbate.

What can I do to stop masturbating, and can I be forgiven?

 

[BiffRuffle]

Ask Our Lady for help… she helped me out of years of similar addiction. I also recommend asking the prayers of Our Lady through the Association of the Miraculous Medal.

I’d also recommend reading books and articles by Christopher West - he is a great explainer of Pope John Paul 2’s Theology of the Body.
Enlist the help of a trusted friend, and contact the Promise Keepers, a great organization of men committed to chastity. Also, Jeff Cavins has a great talk dealing with breaking the chains of addictions.

And, of course, pray. Pray the rosary every day. Pray to Our Lady, and the saints. And know that you are not alone. I’ll be praying for you. PM me if you want more assistance.

 

[JRTJ]

I am praying for you.

I used to be addicted too before reverting back to the Faith. I have since stopped, and have been free from the sin for about 5 months!

The thing that worked for me was, most importantly prayer. Keep praying to Our Lord and Our Lady that they may give you the Grace you need to overcome this sin.

Also, go to Confession. It works wonders! When temptation arises, say this short prayer: “Jesus Help Me”. Then, if it persists, just think about the guilt you will feel afterward, and think that once the ‘act’ is over, you won’t have gained a thing. Except your relationship with God will be severed! Reflect on this notion.

God bless.

 

[SuperLuigi]

I’m a Catholic teen, and I consider myself devout, but 3 months ago I masturbated once, and I’ve been addicted since. I know that it is a mortal sin, so I’ve been trying to stop, but every few days or so I lose control and masturbate.

What can I do to stop masturbating, and can I be forgiven?

First of all, you need to look at your prayer life and social life. Praying the rosary will help, as will having some friends and being around people and not shut inside all the time. It’s also important to have normal hours for sleeping so you’re not lying around stirring up temptation.

You also may want to discuss with your confessor when masturbation actually is a mortal sin because your age and habit may reduce culpability.

The other thing about masturbation: it actually can hinder your dating life.

 

[Richard_White]

I you are contrite and confess this at confession, God will most definitely forgive you. My prayers are with you, my friend.