Is it really an addiction?

I don't mean this offensively; obviously, everyone's different. I've been doing it for a year and a half, and I don't consider it an addiction. I've never NEEDED to do it, I don't think. It hasn't gotten in the way of anything, and all my cuts and scars are primarily on my upper arm, back (belt), and chest. Most are covered up by short sleeve shirts. I'm new to this site, and I'm not sure I know what a trigger is, so I'll just throw out the warning anyway.

Here is a trigger warning.

Like that? Ok. So, yeah, I've had blood soak into a few shirts and sheets, maybe a drop on the jeans. Mostly comes out in the wash. Maybe I don't consider it an addiction because I've never tried to quit. I simply feel like it is a symptom, not the problem. Just like drinking, or not eating, or not getting out of bed. I'm certain there are folks to whom these would be the problems in and of themselves. I hope they don't think I'm saying anything about them. I'm basically just asking if I'm maybe addicted and don't recognize it. Has anyone else felt like they simply did it for stress relief, or self-punishment, or pretty colors, etc., and then come to find they can't quit when they try?

I'm certain I sound like a moron, so I'll probably delete this post soon.

This could be it.

Yes, it is a symptom. A symptom of what though? This what is the problem..........

It is usually a symptom of other problems AND it is an addiction in it's own way.

Dear Doesn't ~ No, you don't sound like a moron in any way. And in fact, you write very well! I have no expertise in this area, although I am considered a [recovering] addict of substances. In my humble and non-expert opinion I will say these things: You say you do this, in part, for stress relief. That's one of the main reasons substance addicts do their substances. One way to find out if you have an addiction is to try and quit! Just a thought. billieJ

I believe it is an addiction. Just as much as a substance or other habits like gambling. I self injure - not frequently but i have never been able to completely quit. Also SI releases endorphins which are feel good chemicals in your brain, much like runners high. So it has been said that it can be addicting. Whether or not it si for an individual varies just like not everyone who drinks becomes an alcoholic.

So interesting.

Is it an addiction?
Is it not?

I know that, in the grip of it, quitting is the damndest of difficult things to do. And I've seen, again in my own experience, that it is possible to go years without thinking of it.

Yet again, I've seen it come back... just as fiercely and quickly as it all started. All it takes is one slip...

So yes. I actually do think it is an addiction...
among other things.

I think that's a key observation. Some people get addicted to self harming, and some people don't. Some people are able to quit easily and some people aren't. I am glad you do not feel addicted. That will make it easier when you do decide to stop.

Agreed. That is why I believe for people who are addicted, that it is not an effective method of quitting to take a strict behavioral approach--trying to change the behavior without getting at the underlying cause. If the underlying issues can be solved, then it will be easier to quit self harming, or it may just stop on its own. That's how it was for me. Do you know what the underlying problem is for your cutting? I think that insight is very important for success in stopping.

I did it for emotional release. I kept all my feelings inside--I wasn't allowed to express them--and life was painful. Cutting let me release some of that pain. Because the act was associated with a release of that tension, plus the endorphins that have been mentioned, the behavior was very reinforcing. It felt really good to me. But when the problem(s) in my life were resolved, I never did it again.

If you are wondering if you might be addicted, why not try stopping for a while and see what happens? If you can't do that, then maybe you are addicted.

I thought your post was intelligent and curious. Good questions about addiction. Thanks.

i think that when it comes to people who need it, it is an addiction