Self Harm and Addiction | Links, Symptoms and Treatment

Self-harm is when someone intentionally injures themselves as a way to manage overwhelming emotions. This might include actions like cutting, burning or scratching.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) refers to self-harm as Non-Suicidal Self-Injury or NSSI. It’s defined as the deliberate, self-inflicted damage to the surface of one’s body, often not intended as a suicide attempt. Instead, it’s usually a way to cope with emotional distress or to relieve negative feelings.

Currently, the DSM-5 lists self-harm as a condition that requires more study, emphasising the need for a deeper understanding of how it should be diagnosed and treated.

It’s vital to understand that self-harm is a response to intense emotional pain, not a personal failing.

What is classed as self-harming behaviour?

When people think of self-harming behaviour, many often focus solely on cutting. This narrow view can lead to only checking for injuries on wrists, potentially overlooking other self-harming behaviours. Below, we explore some of the most common forms of self-harm to inform loved ones that there are more signs to be aware of beyond what they might initially expect:

Cutting: Using sharp objects to make cuts on the skin, often on arms, legs or other areas that can be easily hidden.
Burning: Using heat sources like matches, lighters or cigarettes to burn the skin.
Scratching or picking skin: Intentionally scratching or picking at the skin, leading to bleeding or scarring.
Hitting or banging: Punching oneself or banging one’s head or other body parts against hard surfaces.
Hair pulling (trichotillomania): Pulling out hair from the scalp, eyebrows or other parts of the body.
Ingesting toxic substances: Consuming harmful substances or overdosing on medications without suicidal intent.
Interfering with wound healing: Intentionally preventing wounds from healing, causing prolonged injury or infection.
Bone breaking or bruising: Intentionally causing fractures or bruises.

If you’ve noticed these signs in a loved one or perhaps you’ve been engaging in these behaviours yourself, it’s crucial to reach out to a mental health specialist. Seeking professional help is a vital step towards stabilisation and recovery. For more avenues of support, click here to find hotlines and contact details of those who can help with this issue.

What causes people to self-harm?

Self-harm is a complex behaviour, and its causes can vary widely from person to person. Here are some common reasons, but remember, they aren’t the only ones.

Emotional distress

When someone feels intense sadness, anger or frustration, they might use self-harm to shift their focus from emotional pain to physical pain, even if just temporarily. For some, physical pain can seem easier to handle than emotional turmoil, making self-harm a way to manage overwhelming feelings.

Mental health conditions

People struggling with depression often experience persistent low moods, feelings of hopelessness and issues with self-worth, leading them to self-harm as a coping mechanism. Excessive worry and anxiety might drive someone to self-harm to gain a sense of control or relief from their intense emotional state.

Trauma

Survivors of abuse or violence might use self-harm to regain control over their bodies or to express feelings of anger, shame or guilt. Grief and loss can be overwhelming, and some individuals might turn to self-harm to externalise or cope with the emotional pain associated with significant losses.

Difficulty expressing emotions

Some people find it hard to articulate their emotions verbally. In these cases, self-harm can become a non-verbal way to express their inner struggles or seek attention.

The link between addiction and self-harm

Understanding the connection between addiction and self-harm is essential for anyone navigating these complex issues. Both behaviours often arise as coping mechanisms for overwhelming emotions, stress or trauma, and they can create a vicious cycle that makes recovery challenging without addressing both issues together.

Does self-harm lead to addiction?

While self-harm doesn’t directly cause addiction, it can lead to substance use as a way to numb emotional pain or manage distressing thoughts. Both self-harm and addiction often stem from similar underlying causes, such as trauma, depression and anxiety. Over time, what starts as an attempt to find relief can spiral into a dependency on substances, creating a co-occurring disorder that needs integrated treatment.

Does addiction lead to self-harm?

Addiction could also lead to self-harm. Individuals struggling with substance use might engage in self-harming behaviours to cope with the shame, guilt and self-loathing that often accompany addiction.

In fact, one study found that the second biggest reason for a person engaging in self-harming behaviour was due to self-punishment. For example, a person who finds themselves addicted to a substance could engage in self-harm as a way of punishing themselves for becoming addicted.

The impaired judgement and increased impulsivity caused by substance abuse can heighten the risk of self-harm. In these cases, treating the addiction is essential to reducing self-harming behaviours.

Treating self-harm and addiction

If you’re struggling with self-harm and addiction, it’s important to know that there is hope and that treatment is available. Finding a path to recovery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. A rehab centre that offers support for both self-harm and addiction can provide the comprehensive care you need.

It’s crucial to address self-harming behaviours first, ensuring you have the stability and safety to engage in a rehab programme fully. Once self-harming is under control, you can begin your journey through the rehab programme, with a focus on healing and recovery. Remember, reaching out for help is a brave step; there are people ready to support you through this process.

How is addiction treated at Linwood House?

At Linwood House, our rehabilitation services are designed to combat addiction while providing essential support for maintaining sobriety. The therapeutic methods employed in our treatment programmes can also positively impact self-harm behaviours. This benefit comes from the development of coping mechanisms and supportive communities during rehab, which are particularly helpful for those prone to self-harm.

We offer the following services:

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT): This therapy is specifically aimed at people exhibiting self-destructive behaviours as well as those with addictions. DBT helps you build skills to manage emotional distress more effectively.
Mindfulness-based therapies: These therapies focus on cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of your thoughts and emotions. By helping you recognise the triggers that lead to substance abuse and self-harm, these therapies encourage a mindful observation of distress without resorting to harmful behaviours.
Group therapy: By forming a community of people facing similar issues, group therapy offers valuable support for those diagnosed with both self-harm and addiction. This environment allows for the sharing and learning of effective strategies for controlling destructive urges while also providing a sense of belonging and mutual support on the journey toward recovery.
Aftercare: Our support at Linwood House extends beyond the initial rehab phase, with a comprehensive aftercare programme designed to facilitate ongoing recovery from both self-harm and addiction. This includes continuous counselling, regular follow-ups and involvement in support groups, workshops, and resources to aid in managing both conditions. Family involvement is also encouraged to bolster the support network essential for successful reintegration into everyday life after rehab.

What’s next?

If you’re dealing with self-harm and addiction, Linwood House is here for you. Our compassionate team offers comprehensive rehab treatment to support your recovery journey. You don’t have to face this alone—reach out to us today and take the first step towards healing and a brighter future. Your path to recovery starts here at Linwood House.

Frequently asked questions

Is self-harming a serious issue in the UK?

Yes, self-harming is a significant issue in the UK, particularly among young people. It is often associated with underlying mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. Many individuals self-harm as a coping mechanism for emotional distress, making it crucial to address the issue through appropriate support and treatment.

What would happen if I was caught self-harming during my addiction treatment at Linwood House?

If you are caught self-harming during your treatment at Linwood House, you will receive additional support from your therapists or counsellors on-site, and they will reassess your ability to continue treatment.

Does UKAT have any facilities that provide specialised mental health treatment?

All UKAT rehab centres address co-occurring mental health issues alongside addiction. However, our UKAT London Clinic stands out as a specialised mental health facility dedicated to ensuring that all mental health concerns are thoroughly addressed.

(Click here to see works cited)

“Where to Get Help for Self-Harm.” NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/behaviours/self-harm/getting-help/. Accessed 27 June 2024.
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