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Hurting Yourself

Substance Abuse and Self-Harm

Research conducted over the past decade has discovered disturbing correlations between drug abuse and deliberate self-harm. A 2009 publication of this topic identifies drug overdose as the number one method of self-harm, and other methods of self-injury such as cutting, burning, and suicide commonly occur under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In this study, 63.8% of observed subjects deliberately injured themselves after the consumption of alcohol. Patterns show that alcohol may fuel self-harm by increasing impulsivity and pain thresholds. Illicit drugs may also prompt methods of self-injury, but are primarily identified as the vehicle by which self-harm is carried out, or in other words, they are methods of self-abuse in and of themselves.

What Role Do Drugs and Alcohol Play?

Director Enoch Gordis of the NIAAA explains the common co-occurrence of alcohol and self-self harm in a commentary of drinking and stress. He writes, “Drinking alcohol produces physiological stress, that is, some of the body's responses to alcohol are similar to its responses to other stressors. Yet, individuals also drink to relieve stress. Why people should engage in an activity that produces effects similar to those they are trying to relieve is a paradox that we do not yet understand. One hypothesis is that stress responses are not exclusively unpleasant; the arousal associated with stress itself may be rewarding.” It is not difficult to imagine the danger of this particular behavioral combination. The consumption of some drugs, particularly alcohol, weakens inhibitions and may lead to other stress-relieving devices, such as self-harm. People suffering from mental illness who refer to drugs for relief may enter a circular process of abuse as one method feeds into and amplifies others.

The Psychology of Self-Harm

Self-harm exhibits many of the same characteristics as substance abuse and other addictive coping methods, and people who injure themselves do so for many of the same reasons as those who drink excessively or use drugs. Many who harm themselves are driven by mental illness such as anxiety and depression, but it can also be attributed to drug misuse and withdrawal. The most prevalent explanations for self-destructive behavior include: expressing painful emotions; asserting control over their bodies; or punishing themselves. Self-harm is normally associated with a particular “trigger,” an association or memory which leads one to hurt themselves. These can range from traumatic recollections to poor self-image. Identifying these triggers and learning to eliminate their occurrence is the first major step in overcoming self-harm.

Treatment

Specialized treatment is suggested for those dealing with a patchwork of different issues, such as alcoholism paired with self-harm or drug addiction and depression. Integrated rehabilitation and dialectical therapy are two forms of treatment particularly suited for multilayered addiction. Ask a health professional or therapist which treatment would be most suitable for you. Helplines are also available for those needing immediate aid.

Recognizing your ability to help yourself is key to successful recovery. People who self-harm, particularly those experiencing embedded addictions, should seek professional help; however, recovery can be expedited by realizing and maintaining personal control. Many professionals suggest the following self-help procedures to reduce risk of recurrence:

  • Find support. By confiding in someone (a friend, relative, therapist, etc.), the self-abuser brings the problem to the surface and can then identify factors that cause the behavior. In some cases, simply talking about the problem reduces the urge to express painful feelings through self-destructive habits.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and your feelings. Identifying environmental triggers of self-harm and avoiding them puts the self-abuser in a better position for recovery. Self-injury can become a highly addictive coping process, and self-abusers likewise are susceptible to relapse if confronted by triggers.
  • Identify other factors. As previously stated, many self-abusers struggle with other addictions that can intensify reactions to stress. These tiered addictions operate in a cyclic fashion and often leave the self-abuser feeling stuck or hopeless. Self-help may become extremely difficult for those physically addicted to drugs or alcohol, and the best option in this case would be to seek professional help.
  • Develop methods of distraction. In some cases, triggers may be unavoidable and you must be prepared to manage the urge to harm yourself effectively. There will not always be someone there to stop you from self-harm, so the most important step in recovery is claiming control by finding alternate outlets. Think about the reasons for hurting yourself and substitute it with something else. For example, you might identify anger as a cause to self-harm, in which case it might be a good idea to invest in a punching bag or go for a run. Explore your alternatives and stick to them.
  • Be honest with yourself. If self-help methods fail to bring about recovery, don’t be afraid to contact a treatment center or hotline. Self-harm is a complex disorder, especially when it exists among other addictions, and many severe self-abusers may require  professional guidance to kick destructive habits once and for all.


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Bailey is managing editor at AllTreatment.com.