This is a very interesting topic. You have a choice to use coping skills, other than cutting. However, I completely understand, and have been there when it runs through your mind so quickly and the action just happens. I have been having a rough time with things, and could choose to cut over it all; however, in the end I will feel guilty, shame and anger for having done it. So I choose to deal with my feelings in a better way, distraction skills, opposite actions skills and such. Reaching out to trusted adults or therapist or even hotlines.
There are those that cutting is something that they want to do, it is there way of life kind of thing.