In many ways, self-harm can resemble an addiction to certain behaviors. This is especially true when someone uses these behaviors compulsively as a way of providing relief.

Self-harm refers to any act done intentionally with no intent of ending your own life. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5TR) does not classify self-harm as an addiction.

The DSM-5 TR, which contains clinical criteria to diagnose mental disorders, restricts addiction to substance abuse disorders, gambling, and gambling-related problems.

Addiction is a field that has been understudied. DSM-5 TR mentions other behavioral addictions, such as shopping addiction. However, there is not enough evidence to include these under the official label of addictive disorders.

Is it possible to become addicted to self-harm?

Diagnostic Guidelines When considering self-harm as a possible addiction, diagnostic guidelines cannot accurately indicate its presence or absence. Addiction is the compulsive desire to do something despite its negative consequences. Changes in the brain's reward system cause addiction. They push you to seek pleasure and avoid withdrawal symptoms.

While most people associate addiction with substances, many experts think that behavioral addictions can have the same effect on the brain. Certain behaviors can trigger the brain's reward system. This leads to a craving for the reward or relief that the behavior provides.

Monica Amorosi is a licensed mental health counselor in New York City. She says that the clinical judgment and lived experience of the client will determine whether or not a particular behavior falls into the category of behavioral addiction.

She says that for some people, self-harm is as much of an addiction as shopping, gambling, or sex. It can release chemicals that are required by law, cause release or relief, or become compulsive.

Carolyn Weimer is a licensed professional counselor from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. She adds that patterns of compulsive and repetitive self-harm, which resemble addiction, are sometimes called non-suicidal-self-injury disorders.

Self-harm does not always or commonly represent an addiction. Weimer says that addiction and self-harm usually have different motivations and treatment methods.

She explains that "addiction is characterized by the compulsive consumption of substances or behaviors in order to obtain pleasure or [physical] pain relief, whereas self-harming is usually motivated by emotional pain or a desire for relief from emotional pain."

What signs are there of self-harming addiction?

Self-harming behaviors do not only occur in situations of behavior addiction. It's unlikely that you will find "new" marks or tools for self-harm.

Watching for signs of self-harm addiction includes looking for:

●     A high rate of accidents

●     Unidentified scars and marks

●     Use of first aid materials excessive

●     Wearing high-coverage clothing in hot weather is a habit.

●     The presence of sharp objects

●     negative self-talk

●     Emotional instability

Why do people self-injure?

Self-harm can be used as a coping strategy. Self-harm is a way to neutralize emotional distress that's not helpful or adaptive. Amorosi says that self-harm can be a tool to regulate, calm, or punish some people.

When you have done it for a while or are struggling with behavioral control, the habit can be formed. It may require regulation, and someone might not be able to stop themselves.

Self-harm is used by people to deal with emotional distress. Some individuals turn to self-harm as a means of taking control of situations that feel out of reach. It can stop negative thoughts in their tracks and help people regulate their feelings.

Self-harm can also serve as a form of emotional release. It allows someone to express their pain without having to speak.

How do you support someone who is self-harming?

Self-harming behavior can be treated. Help someone who is engaging in self-injury by connecting them with professional assistance.

Mental health professionals are able to provide alternative strategies for coping with emotional pain and can help uncover the root causes of negative thought processes.

Weimer suggests:

●     Self-harm: Educate yourself

●     Listening without judgment

●     Checking in regularly

●     Joining a Support Group for Your Loved One

●     Provide an open environment where people can discuss self-harm openly.

Compassion is the most important thing. Amorosi explains, "They're just trying to figure out a way to reduce their distress." "Treating them with hospitalization or intensive therapy is likely to make them distrust you, and it's also not appropriate care. They need someone who understands them.

What treatment options are available for self-harming?

Psychotherapy can be used to change self-harming behavior. Therapists can use several frameworks to help you identify the cause of your emotional distress.

Then, you can take steps to restructure and develop new, helpful coping strategies in place of self-harm.

Self-harm is treated using a variety of therapeutic methods.

●     Dialectical behavior therapy

●     Cognitive-behavioral therapy

●     Psychodynamic therapy

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage your mood symptoms and support your treatment.

Bottom Line

Self-harming behaviors, at their core, are coping mechanisms that help people cope with negative emotions and thoughts. Self-harming behaviors are not typically classified as addictions. Self-harm is a common way for people to seek relief. This is a behavioral addiction.

Each individual's experience of self-harm is unique. A mental health professional is responsible for determining whether your self-harming behavior and lived experience meet the criteria of addiction.

Credit: thewebhealth.com & drugsdiscussion.com