Why is self harm addictive

There is no one reason why individuals end up engaging in this type of behaviour, but it is often an attempt to make physical some type of emotional pain. The person may be feeling completely overwhelmed psychologically, even though they appear as normal on the outside.

The self-harm is therefore an attempt to make this suffering more apparent. This type of behaviour can also be a way of coping with trauma and those engaging it in can experience a sense of relief every time the act is committed. Self-harm is also common with those who are suffering from mental health problems such as schizophrenia or psychosis. The person may hear voices that are telling him or her to engage in self-harm, so they can feel compelled to follow this advice. No matter what the cause of self-harm, it is vital that individuals who engage in it receive appropriate treatment.

In order to properly treat self-harm, it is vital to get to the root causes of it. If you are dealing with an addiction as well as a tendency to self-injury, you will probably benefit from dual-diagnosis treatment; this means the substance abuse and self-harm can be dealt with at the same time.

Studies have shown that approximately nine percent of teenagers who engage in self-harming behaviors also abuse drugs and alcohol. Teenage abuse drugs and alcohol for similar reasons they engage in self-harm behavior; to alleviate stress and numb the pain and emotions they are experiencing.

Marijuana and nonmedical prescription drugs are the most commonly abuse illicit substances among teenagers with alcohol and tobacco being the most commonly abused substances overall. Drugs and alcohol are known to slow reaction times, increase impulsivity and disrupt the connections in nerve endings potentially resulting in worsening injuries.

For example, individual who cut may cut too deep under the influence of drugs or alcohol resulting in serious wounds or too much blood loss. In order to learn to give up self-injury behavior, individuals need to substitute other healthy behaviors that can be equally soothing and provide a similar emotional release.

Similar to substance abuse, the underlying reason of why there is an addiction needs to be addressed in order for the unhealthy compulsive behavior to stop.

Types of It Are:. The front of the chest , arms, and legs, are the most common self-injury targets, but any part of their body can be used for self-injury. Self-injurers can use a variety of methods to hurt themselves. Being angry can cause an urge to self-injure. Many people self-harm only a couple of times then end it, but it can become a long-term behavior for others. Self-harm is when people deliberately hurt themselves, while suicide comes with the intent to stop the pain by dying.

Self- mutilating is usually seen as a release for suffering or is causing the person to suffer further. The British Medical Journal declared that bruising at Self-harm, also known as self-mutilation, is described as a self-inflicted and intentional injury to body tissue that causes discomfort, bruising, or bleeding without any suicidal intent or socially acceptable purposes tattooing or body piercing. Self-harm Episodes usually difficult to rate as, mostly, they are neither reported nor treated.

Self-mutilating behaviour is often wrongly diagnosed as attempts of suicide when, really, the intent was not meant to be disastrous. Substance abuse and self-harm are incredibly intertwined. People that struggle with mental disorders like but are not limited to eating disorders, depression, and anxiety. Substance abuse leads to self-harm. Being influenced by substances can also lead to self-injury being more than planned.

There is neither one simple nor one inherent cause for an individual to self-harm; instead, there is a combination of several other factors that lead to such behavior. Self-harm has been attributed to stimulant drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription medications for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. However, the process may be different in people who suffer from addiction.

Stimulants can promote self-harm both during and after use. Mental healthcare professionals are always ready to help treat cutting disorders, but it may be difficult to convince your loved one to seek treatment. People who mutilate themselves are very secretive and do not want to share their actions with anyone. Staging an intervention is one of the most effective ways to approach someone suffering from a self-harming disorder.

Intervention provides a setting where proper dialogue can begin between the team members and their loved one. During an intervention, personal feelings and emotions can be expressed without worrying about damaging a relationship.

Everyone participating knows the main goal is to help the cutter get the care she needs. If you or a loved one struggle with cutting, we are here for you. Call our helpline, , 24 hours a day to speak to an admissions coordinator about available treatment options. On This Page: Why Cutting? Many people who cut themselves were abused in some way as a child. Whether the abuse was sexual, physical or emotional, or a case of neglect.

Teenagers are more likely to cut themselves.