Pat's Answer
I'm disgusted with myself over my addiction
Your Question
I’m digusted of myself I’m an addicted to masterbation and porn and I just want to stop but can’t I feel shameful I can’t tell a parent as ig is very shameful. I wish i could stop. Is there anyway i can stop?Â
Answer
Hello, Welcome to Ask Pat.Â
You mention you are feeling ashamed, and you wish you could stop masturbating and engaging with porn. We are sorry to hear that you feel ashamed, and you feel you can’t talk to your parents.Â
It’s understandable that you may feel embarrassed talking to your parents about how you are feeling. Have you anyone else in your life that you would be comfortable talking to, like an older sibling or relative or maybe a friend? You do have the right to talk about your feelings with somebody that you trust.
Masturbation is a regular part of normal adolescence; it is completely natural to have these feelings and to want to explore them, however you have mentioned that you are addicted and can’t stop. A person who is addicted has a strong urge to do the thing they are addicted to and might even feel like it is taking over their life. We would be concerned if you feel that it is disrupting your life, if you’re choosing to do it over other things, like homework or talking with friends. This is the same for anything that is addictive, so it is important to keep checking that you are feeling okay with the amount of time you spend masturbating. You have the right to medical help if you should need it, for example talking to your doctor or maybe a counsellor.
You also mention porn and we would be concerned that you feel you are becoming addicted to porn. Although you have not mentioned how, it is very important that you know, pornography is not a realistic representation of a healthy lifestyle. If you have a look at following websites and articles, www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/; www.spunout.ie/mental-health/getting-help/problem-with-porn you can find out more information and advice on how to recognise that you have an addiction to pornography.
You can also talk to Childline 24 hours a day on 1800 66 66 66, by texting 50101, or through web chat on www.childline.ie.  These services are open 24-hours a day, every day and are free and confidential.  We will listen to your thoughts and feelings without judgment and help explore some options that may be available to you.Â
We hope that you find some of the above supports helpful. Remember we in Childline are always here to listen to what you have to say. Thank you for reaching out and describing what is going on for you.  Â
Take care of yourself. We hope to hear from you soon, Â
PatÂ