Self-harm, also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), refers to the deliberate act of harming one’s own body without the intention of committing suicide. Common forms of self-harm include cutting, burning, or scratching the skin. Although not intended to be fatal, self-harm is often a way for individuals to cope with overwhelming emotions, numbness, or intense feelings of guilt and shame.

The question of whether self-harm can be classified as an addiction has been a topic of discussion among mental health professionals. Self-harm shares some characteristics with addictive behaviors, such as the cycle of craving, acting out, and experiencing relief followed by guilt or shame. Understanding whether self-harm is an addiction can help frame how it is treated and how individuals can be supported in their recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health and are looking for support, reach out now by calling us today or heading over to our admissions page to take the first step! 

What is Self-Harm?

Before exploring whether self-harm can be classified as an addiction, it’s important to understand what self-harm entails. Self-harm behaviors are typically used as a coping mechanism to manage emotions, anxiety, or trauma. Individuals who engage in self-harm often describe feeling overwhelmed, numb, or emotionally detached, and harming themselves can provide temporary relief from these feelings.

The key aspect of self-harm is that it is not a suicide attempt. Instead, individuals use these behaviors as a way to express or release intense emotions they may not be able to verbalize. Over time, this pattern of behavior can become ingrained, making it difficult for individuals to stop without professional support.

Is Self-Harm Addictive?

While self-harm is not officially classified as an addiction in medical or psychological manuals, there are several parallels between self-harm and addictive behaviors. These similarities include:

• Repetition and Craving: Like substance use or gambling, individuals who engage in self-harm may feel a compulsion to harm themselves repeatedly. Some describe an intense craving or urge to self-harm when faced with emotional distress.
• Temporary Relief: Just as addictive substances provide a short-term escape or relief from stress or negative emotions, self-harm can offer a temporary reprieve from intense feelings. However, this relief is often followed by guilt or shame, which can lead to a cycle of repeated behavior.
• Increased Tolerance: Over time, individuals who self-harm may require more severe forms of injury to achieve the same sense of relief, similar to how someone with a substance use disorder might need higher doses to achieve the desired effect.
• Difficulty Stopping: People who self-harm often struggle to stop, even when they want to, mirroring the challenges faced by those with addictions. The urge to self-harm can feel overwhelming, and without support, it can be difficult to break free from the cycle.

How Self-Harm Can Mirror Addiction

To further understand whether self-harm is an addiction, it’s essential to compare the behavioral patterns of self-harm with recognized addictions, such as substance use disorders. Addiction is characterized by:

• Compulsive Behavior: Both self-harm and addiction involve compulsive actions, where individuals feel an overwhelming urge to engage in the behavior despite potential consequences.
• Psychological and Physical Effects: Engaging in self-harm or using addictive substances both produce temporary psychological relief or even a physical release of tension. However, they often lead to emotional or physical harm afterward.
• Cycle of Behavior: In both self-harm and addiction, individuals may experience an ongoing cycle of craving, engaging in the behavior, feeling temporary relief, followed by regret, shame, or guilt.

While there are clear similarities, it’s also important to note that self-harm is not always associated with the traditional physiological dependence found in substance addictions. Unlike drugs or alcohol, self-harm does not create a chemical dependency in the brain. However, the habitual nature of self-harm and the emotional relief it provides can create a powerful psychological dependence.

Why People Engage in Self-Harm

There are many reasons why someone may turn to self-harm as a coping mechanism. Understanding these reasons is critical to offering support and treatment. Some common reasons include:

• Emotional Release: Self-harm may provide a physical outlet for emotional pain. People may use it as a way to express feelings they can’t put into words.
• Feeling in Control: For some, self-harm is a way to regain a sense of control in situations where they feel powerless.
• Numbness or Emotional Detachment: Some individuals harm themselves to feel something, as they may be experiencing emotional numbness.
• Punishment: Feelings of guilt or shame can lead individuals to use self-harm as a form of self-punishment.

Regardless of the reason, self-harm is a dangerous coping mechanism that requires professional intervention to break the cycle.

If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm, it’s essential to seek help. Valor Behavioral Health offers a range of treatment modalities specifically designed to support individuals struggling with self-harm.

Treatment options may include:

• Outpatient Programs: Valor Behavioral Health offers flexible, personalized outpatient care, including Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), and Adolescent Intensive Outpatient (Adolescent IOP). These programs provide individual therapy, group sessions, and supportive services to help clients manage their mental health and work towards recovery while continuing their daily routines.
• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are two forms of therapy that can help individuals learn healthier ways to cope with their emotions. These therapies focus on teaching individuals how to manage distress, regulate emotions, and develop better problem-solving skills.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage underlying conditions such as depression or anxiety that contribute to self-harm behaviors.

• Support Groups: Support groups, including Valor Behavioral Health’s Alumni Program, provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and learn from others who have gone through similar struggles. The Alumni Program offers ongoing support and connection for those who have completed treatment, helping them maintain their progress and stay engaged in their recovery journey.
• Alternative Coping Mechanisms: Learning alternative coping strategies, such as journaling, exercising, or practicing mindfulness, can provide individuals with healthier ways to manage emotional distress.

Breaking the cycle of self-harm can be challenging, but with the right support system and professional help, it is possible to develop healthier ways of coping.