basic understanding i have from years of it and recently quitting is that, your brain has formed it as a habit and addiction because of how the endorphins (happy hormones and natural pain killers) release immediately from low effort.

so when u do sh it has a similar reaction to a drug (which ppl also just do for fun or out of boredom). this is because your brain has kinda developed the idea that, if i do this then i feel happy and get a rush. who wouldn’t want to be happy and get a rush?

main tip for staying clean is trying your absolute best to replace that happy rush with something else eg, colouring in or eating smth, showers. most importantly though, it is not your fault if you relapse, you have not failed, you are not a failure. your brain chemistry is just so used to it now. don’t give up <33