Icky,

As I'm sure you already know, when the body is injured or stressed or put into an "adrenaline-like" state, the brain releases natural opiates and other chemicals.

These chemicals trigger an actual reaction in the body, similar to those of synthetic narcotics.

Although not proven, it is suggested that when a person cuts, the body releases these chemicals and a "euphoria" takes over.

This is still all speculation, but there is good reason to suspect something chemical is occurring. Interestingly enough, these chemicals can also become addicting to the body.

Just reading about it can trigger these responses. Sounds like that might be what's happening?

Hugs,

Petunia