The simple answer to this question is NO, you cannot become addicted to your vibrator.

Merriam-Webster defines addiction as a “compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (such as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal.”

First of all, vibration is not a substance…it is a tool to enhance an experience. While you may enjoy and look forward to the release of feel-good chemicals as a result of orgasm, these are beneficial substances from a healthy source which will not bring you harm. It is akin to the feel-good chemicals released by walking in nature on a beautiful, sunny day. Next, you will not become tolerant to and need increased amounts of vibe in order to orgasm, although, you may respond best to a certain vibration intensity. Lastly, use of vibration will not produce withdrawal symptoms. Instead, what you are likely to experience is increased desire to have sex, because good sex begets more good sex!

Vibrator addiction is a myth

Will too much vibe ruin me for non-vibe orgasms?

Rest assured, you will not alter your pleasure nerves with vibration. While numbness from prolonged vibration in one spot at any given play-session can occur (hence, the suggestion not to use the vibe for more than 15 minutes at a time), the numbness subsides when the vibe is taken away.

There is no right or wrong way to experience an orgasm. The way you enjoy them is up to you. Give yourself permission to take advantage of technology and its many benefits, just as you do in your nonsexual daily activities. For example, you can blend heavy cream with a spoon, or you can use an electric mixer…but it will form stiff peaks easier and faster with electric beaters. Get the picture? The choice is yours.

What if vibration is the only way I can orgasm?

That is fantastic! Better to orgasm than not.

Some people are only able to orgasm with vibration, such as people with nerve impairment from spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis and Diabetes. Sometimes menopausal women will experience shorter, and less intense orgasms. These people need extra stimulation (and the intensity of vibration seems to fit the bill) to elicit orgasms and there is no shame in that.

So, what is the issue?

More often than not, the real issue is that the partner feels left out. Their ego demands that they must give their partner an orgasm in order to be a good lover. But truly, orgasm is the responsibility of the person experiencing it and not the responsibility of their mate.

That said, partners can be invited to assist. Additionally, they can be reassured that there are other vital things they can do…like holding their partner, gazing into their eyes, talking to them, and letting their partners know that they are exciting and loved.

Suggestions

If you are bothered by the inability to experience an orgasm without vibe, try removing orgasm as the goal and avoid the usual mode of stimulation that rushes you to a quick orgasm. The problem is that we become so used to quick and predictable responses that we get frustrated and give up if they take longer than expected. So, stay out of your head and merely focus on the enjoyable sensations happening in your body. Slow down, experiment, and let pleasure be your guide.

Use your hands to explore what feels good. If in a relationship, allow your partner to manually and orally pleasure you, giving them explicit instructions on what turns you on. After experimenting, if you then need vibe to send you over the edge to orgasm, by all means, use it. Show your partner how it is done, and if mutually desired, allow him/her the pleasure of using the vibe on you.

Let go of shame! Enjoy your orgasms regardless of how they are experienced.