Self injury is often very addictive. It can be just as addictive as drug or alcohol use because of the mental and physical components. It is true that the physical harm could be less than drug use but prolonged self harm becomes very devastating. I have seen others (and at one point myself) become completely consumed but self injury where it will constantly be on your mind, and you are completely dependent on it to function even remotely normally. Self injury is a different mindset from suicide but I know someone personally who becomes very suicidal when they fight self injury for too long, so indirectly, self injury can be very dangerous.

This is not a dumb inquiry and I have often heard it discussed. You should not "shut up" if you have an idea. This is a good community that is open to discussions and ideas.

Good luck Tumnus!