you might try comparing it to the less-extreme, socially acceptable things people do to cop with stress--like getting drunk occasionally or smoking. because there is an addictive quaity to si, some people might be able to understand and relate to that even if they aren't able to grasp why it works for you.

i used this with a couple of former co-workers and it worked pretty well. one asked me why i didn't just drink or smoke. i told her i'm an alcoholic and i would be unemployable if i started drinking again and that cutting is *much* cheaper than smoking and doesn't make you stink.