Hi there, masturbation is a real thing, I know. It allows us to live in the moment, it allows for a relief, it is a chemical reaction in our brain that causes the addiction. Chemicals are released into our blood stream, that makes us feel good. This is why the Lord created love making, it allows us to really connect with the person.
Also masturbation is just so easy, you don't need to consider anybody but yourself, which in my lifestly can be seriously addictive, throughout the day I am having to think about other's their needs, before my own, and quite frankly sometimes it is easy just to want the thrill of it all by yourself.
For me the act of masturbation is not the sin, it is where my mind goes in order to have the orgasim which is the sinful part. The Lord makes meantion in the word of a man rather spilling his own seed, that going to a prostitue. I have been married for many years, and still was having the ocassional masutrbation, and would tell my husband about it. The sin for us was the fact that I had made him feel left out, I had not considered his feelings, I then had no desire to be with my husband which meant he was unfufilled.
I want to prise you for doing it less, I want to encourage you to speak to the Lord in every wakeing moment, tell Him what your fear's are, ask Him to show you what it is about the masturbation you are craving any cannot find elsewhere. Please do not beat yourself over the head, the Lord doesn't, He wants to encourage you to find the answer which is in Him.