Sexting Addiction?

I think I’m addicted to sexting. It started with curiosity, exploring, flirting, sharing images, talking dirty. Firstly I told myself it was just fun, maybe even empowering. But over time it became more than that. Now I find myself spending hours on sexting apps, not always even for sexual release, sometimes just scrolling, chatting, feeling something. It’s become my go-to way to cope with anxiety, boredom, loneliness. Sometimes I masturbate, sometimes I just scroll, consume images, that’s all.

Even when I'm trying to fall asleep, I feel this itch to log in and connect with someone, anyone. Then I wake up and reach for these apps before I even think about breakfast. I try to work, but the tabs stay open. I multitask between my job and random sexting convos, and it’s draining me. My focus is shot, and I’m missing deadlines because I can’t stay present. It’s like I need that little hit of attention or intimacy to keep going.

Physically it’s taking a toll too. My sex drive feels warped. I struggle with erections now. Plus I already lost one relationship, partly because I couldn’t be fully emotionally there. I don’t blame sexting alone, but it played a part.

I’m ashamed of all this. I haven’t told anyone. I'm scared of being judged, so I isolate more, and that makes me rely on these apps even more. A vicious cycle. I’ve considered therapy, but even that feels intimidating.

I don’t want to feel like this anymore. I want to feel normal again—whatever "normal" even is. I want to have real connections and a healthy sex life that’s grounded in reality, not scrolling and fantasy.

Has anyone gone through something similar? Any advice on how to start reclaiming control?