I can't stop cutting

[lonelykoalabb]

I can't stop cutting. I am seriously addicted to cutting. I don't know what to do.

[Spidey]

there is little evidence to prove that cutting can be physically addictive in the same vein as, say, drugs or alcohol.

the first thing you need to do is re-evaluate where cutting is in your life. as in, where you prioritise it, what it means to you, etc. write a list of pros and cons. something like

pros of cutting
cons of cutting
a bit of both

something like that.

if you think you need professional help, seek it. that is the hardest hurdle to jump, and if you think you can't jump it, you can conquer cutting on your own.

you just have to be ready and willing to put in the effort that it will take. for a long time. because it is a journey and a process.

[Porcelain_Doll]

I've found that the best way to stop is to find a really powerful reason to stop. When i told my boyfriend I SI he was devasted and begged me to stop, I didn't want to hurt him. It helped me stop for six months straight. Unfortunently he's become use to me slipping and doesn't react as strongly other than being dissapointed so I SI more now.

[dncn4lyfe77]

Cutting can actually be biologically addicting. When you take a drug, your body releases endorphines in response which makes you feel better. When you get hurt your body releases these endorphines too. So when you cut, you feel better because your body is releasing endorphines to make you feel better. Your body then becomes addicting to the endorphines that are released, you want more and more of it. Thats part of the reason people are addicted to some drugs aside from the fact that they have addictive chemicals in them

As with any addiction, cold turkey doesnt work most of the time. Try to limit the number of time you can cut in a day/week

Write it down so you dont forget. Keep a tally. Every week take the number down by 1

and even though you will still be cutting, you are limiting the self harm, and thats whats important

[plantt]

what have you tried?

[JadaKiss]

I can't stop cutting. I am seriously addicted to cutting. I don't know what to do.

First, you admitted you need help, so please seek a therapist who is sensitive to the mental and biological addictions of self injury. They can help you build copingmechanisms besides cutting, and forewarning, you may get a little worse before you get better... sometimes when we feel that "control" being taken away we si* more.... but get some pro-help.

Secondly, tell someone "safe" in your life.... if there isn't one, then come here to BUS.

Finally, write a journal of all of your emotions....ALL of them... even if they don't seem relavent to cutting. and then involve yourself in some vigorous activity during an urge, to the point of exhaustion, to release all of those brainchemicals you are used to from self injury.... it will be better for your body to burn out doing stomach crunches in a fury, than cutting.

[2crazy]

youve had some great advice here. i can tell you SI is physically addicting. when i try to quit i go through withdrawals just like a drug addict. there are so many good coping techniques here on Bus, and people who will help you through your troubles. just let them. wanted you to know youre not alone. good luck! my prayers are with you. cindy

[indigo_sister]

I could say that it is both physically and mentally addictive.
Ive learned that what makes you stop is when you madly fall in love. I guess that feeling produces something in your body too, so you dont need to cut.
the sad part is, falling in love doesnt last forever. once you know that person better, even if you love him lots, that magic is gone.

[Porcelain_Doll]

I could say that it is both physically and mentally addictive.
Ive learned that what makes you stop is when you madly fall in love. I guess that feeling produces something in your body too, so you dont need to cut.
the sad part is, falling in love doesnt last forever. once you know that person better, even if you love him lots, that magic is gone.

That's what happened to me.