(((((((((Rio)))))))))))))

It isn't considered cheating if you don't really think it is. Are you trying to still stop the behaviour? Yes. Are you causing yourself permanent/longer-lasting harm than actually pulling it out would? ... I'd say no.

Anything that could be possibly triggering this now? What about getting something to squeeze instead, like a rubber ball or a beanbag or something like that? Anything to keep the mind off of doing it.

You can do this. One day at a time. Breathe.