I've been playing a lot of poker lately, and masturbating a lot too.

Sometimes I do it before my daily poker session, but I am feeling like it has a negative impact on my game because I start feeling sleepy and lazy to focus on details.

Do you think the same about it? Should we masturbate only after our poker session? Is there any study about this thing?

Probably you are 'addicted' to both. It's called 'co-morbidity'. Many addictions are found in the same individual, and the neuro-transmitters released are basically the same, in terms of the effect; you need it, you want it, and you do it, over-and-over again.

As to the clincial effects, yes you probably would feel that way; it's basically the inverse effect of what most poker 'pros' would do, where taking stimulants and enhancers would presumably help to focus and process more quickly.

Also, as to the "poker or masturbate" moment, you may be suffering from something akin to this:

"Substituting addictions is a very common problem in recovery, and especially early recovery."

Would bet that at the moment before you decide to do either, you have some kind of "urge", which is basically transient (fleeting), and that if medicated properly, would wane (go away), so you could feel less anxiety (worry/fear/panicky/light-headedness), and thus make more rational, logical, "normal" decisions--i.e. you would choose to do things because you needed to, not because you felt compelled to.

Just did a quick check and Dopamine looks like the one--it's also related to cocaine use.

Thank you for your technical comment! I will masturbate now just before sleep, and will try with some coffee or redbull before my poker sessions.

If anyone has comments or experiences about this issue, I would like to hear it too.

Masturbation and poker seem to go hand-in-hand.

^ What he said.

But seriously, I saw a short documentary recently about where addiction comes from. I apologize for being unable to find and link it, but long story short it's about a theory with alot of strong supporting evidence that addiction in any manifestation is the result of not having enough connection to other people. I myself experienced this years ago while struggling with alcohol and gaming. I had few meaningful connections back then and believe I subconsciously supplemented with various addictions.

In the video a scientist years ago redid an experiment where a lone rat was left with two water supplies: one normal, the other with drugs. The lone rat chose the medicated water every time. When this scientist redid the experiment with an entire community of rats though in a large happy positive environment, the drugged water supply was virtually untouched, suggesting that community and a good environment were crucial to avoiding addiction.

Know anyone you haven't spoken with in a long time? Got family nearby? Focus on making those people a big part of your life. If you already do this, you may simply not have enough connection to feel fulfilled or your environment could be lousy. Change these things if you can. Also, be aware that any connection that is severed could put you at risk for addictive behavior, so if you've had a falling out recently, lost a job, got a divorce, etc you are probably at higher risk for addictive behavior.

In all seriousness, if you want to use this to your advantage, you should probably be using the masturbation as a reward/reinforcement. The trick is to target accurately exactly what behavior of yours that you desire to reinforce.

Possibilities are numerous but include:
playing at all (if trouble is being motivated)--masturbate at the end of each session

playing well--set some criteria for "playing well" and masturbate only after sessions during which you meet that criteria

not chasing losses/playing on-tilt--define a criteria and masturbate only after leaving a session when you meet the criteria

limiting playing time--set a session length (by time or hands played) and masturbate only when you meet the criteria

stopping at a given time to do something social with friends--masturbate only after quitting play at a designated time

I used to do it mid-session sometimes, but had to stop when the other players at the table started complaining.

^ lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zM6Na3cZz8

Release before poker it will keep u relaxed lol

Jepp, u should use your sexuality as a reward. And don't forget To disable the cam and the micro...
How 'bout Cannabis vor cocaine use during a session?

along with carpel tunnel, watch your yourself tom

It comes in handy.

Sex works too though.

I think Barry Greenstein actually talked about this once, I forget where.

Sometimes I wonder if Matthew McConaughey was on to something
in Wolf of wallstreet. Where he & Leo have this discussion.

Basically he says trading stocks all day is acidic above the shoulders stuff
and you need to jerk off to prevent imploding lol

Take the money you have left and invest in land. And guns. And other instruments of destruction. And enjoy yourself.

Classic.

Interesting thread. I think it's worth questioning whether or not releasing decreases your state of arousal at the table and what that can potentially do to your abilities. I'm tempted to say for most it would be a detriment to their focus if a pretty lady (or guy) sat across from them however there is something to be said about men performing better when a lady they want to impress is present.

There's nothing wrong with if you make more money.


Just remember, if you're a male seeking a long term female partner, that won't fly