Yes. There is an attraction (to the opposite sex). It's natural. It's overwhelming. Nu? So what? Are you saying that in the long run it's hopeless? Good! If so, you may qualify as an addict, like me. Cuz it's hopeless for me, too. Completely hopeless. Left with my own resources alone, I will eventually act out using lust. And it will eventually ruin my life and kill me. Nu. Mazel Tov. No chiddush there either, for me. I am an addict. I have a chronic progressive and fatal disease, like any other. But there is treatment that offers a daily reprieve, by finally/really getting a G-d.

For an addict, the 12-step folks I hang out would honestly suggest, "Go right ahead and enjoy yourself. If you are looking for a minute of enjoyment who can stop you? And if we did stop you, then what would it avail you in the end - or tomorrow? When you decide that you have had enough stupidity and that you want more out of life, come back and we'll share our solution with you so that you can start really living rather than running."

I wouldn't say that, though, cuz I'm a really nice guy :-)

One Motzai Shabbos I was lusting pretty hard and I felt needed to watch some Shmutz, but I didn't have a smartphone. So I went to a store near me (the only one that was opened that late) and picked a smartphone that I wanted to buy, but it was out of stock. I tried the next one, also out of stock! This major store did not have one smartphone available!
I was blown away!
I realized that "yesh Baal habayis libirah zu"! (there is a master to this palace).

Often, the need to seek self-pleasure comes from a mild-depression. Almost 50% of humans have a tendency to some form of depression, even if they don't know or admit it, and it is often this feeling of "void" or "emptiness" that can bring one to seek ways to sooth themselves and make themselves feel better. There are a number of good ways to deal with a mild-depression.

Do you have a problem with obsessive and compulsive porn use? Have you seriously tried the tools on GYE and feel that you are not getting better? Maybe it’s time to consider joining a 12-Step program.

Porn Anonymous (PA)
If you’re compulsively acting-out with pornography and masturbation we suggest you explore joining Porn Anonymous (PA). If you need help deciding whether to join PA, call Michael at 347-699-2368, or email help@pornanonymous.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit pornanonymous.org (Hebrew: p-a.org.il / Yiddish: pa-yid.org).

Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)
If your compulsive acting-out has progressed beyond the screen (with other people, paid sexual services, etc.) we suggest you explore joining Sexaholics Anonymous (SA). To figure out if SA is for you, call Dov at 917-414-8205, or email Dov at dov@guardyoureyes.org to schedule a time to talk. For more information visit www.sa.org.