Masturbation as the cornerstone addiction

I am nearly 40 and have lived through many addictions. The masturbating was the first bad habit and remained throughout. I think addiction to pmo set the tone for my life, depleting my energy and good will, making me crave something "else" to feel good. I have long felt that early heavy masturbators are much more likely to try substances and then get addicted. What does the community think? Is masturbating the king of gateway drugs?