Quitting masturbation isn’t easy–even veterans still have challenges in this area. But it is a battle you can win.

Here are some practical ideas that have helped me:

1. Have Healthy Outlets

Masturbators are energetic, creative, and passionate people who have a lot to offer. Find healthy places where you can take that energy and put it to good use.

2. Deal with the Undercurrent

Masturbation is not really about the behavior–it’s about medicating pain and trying to satisfy unmet needs in your life. Take a deep breath and go below the surface to find out WHY you’re masturbating. An X3Group will help. So will a counselor.

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3. Start Writing and Keep Writing 

This may sound crazy, but writing in a notebook or journal is a healthy outlet to get your “stuff” out. Write out your anger. Write out your feelings. Use it as a way to talk it out–both to yourself and to God.

4. Get a Strategy for Your Alone Time 

Alone time and boredom can lead to masturbation, simply because you just have nothing else to do, so try to stay busy. Fill up your calendar. Go to bed tired.

5. Get a Media Strategy While You’re At It 

Attack the source. Set up roadblocks. Consider a program like X3watch for your computer. Consider some filtering for your TV or a password. Restrict the sources of temptation.

6. You Need a Buddy 

Find someone you can talk to about your struggles, someone you can trust and who will keep confidence. What I’m talking about here is accountability. This person may have to be a counselor or a minister. Again, an X3Group is a great place to start.

7. Realize It’s a Process 

You didn’t become addicted overnight; you won’t get free overnight, either. Sobriety happens one day at a time, one meeting at a time, one breakthrough at a time. An X3Group will help you stay strong during this process.

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8. Pray, Then Pray Some More 

You probably have prayed God would take your masturbation away. A better prayer might be, “God, help me have a change of heart. Help me deal with the deep stuff. Help me find better outlets. Help me find a way to talk my stuff out with someone.”

Got more practical ways to quit masturbating? Leave them in the comments below.