How to overcome masturbation addiction?

The following is an excerpt from a samvaad (dialogue) session with Acharya Prashant.

Questioner (Q): I have a bad habit of masturbation. How to overcome this addiction?

Acharya Prashant (AP): When the inner energy has gone mad, there are only two options left — either to go fully mad or to give that energy the highest expression, the highest vent, the highest exit. It would either be a very lowly exit — in ejaculation, or it would be the highest expression — energetic, devotional surrender to godliness. The choice is yours. Only these two options are there. One of the two has to be exercised, otherwise, the energy will madly roam within and won’t let you settle down in peace. A channelization is needed. The channel could either be very lowly or the highest. In-between channels won’t suffice.

Decide for yourself, whether you have the guts, the desire, the patience, to go for the highest channel. And if you find yourself unwilling or incapable, then the lowermost channel is always available. It is an easy vent. One can ejaculate himself out of restlessness. Too much restlessness, masturbate and you’ll have a period of rest. You can go for that if that’s what you want. It doesn’t suffice to merely nod in disapproval. The other option will require tremendous effort. Are you ready for that? And if you are not, then the other…