Self Harm and Addiction

What is self-harm?

For some, self-harm is a way for people to cope with overwhelming emotions or situations. It’s often a response to deep emotional pain, where individuals use physical actions to relieve their distress temporarily. This behaviour is usually a sign of underlying issues, such as depression, anxiety or trauma, and it can become a repetitive cycle that’s difficult to break.

While self-harm may offer the person momentary relief, it doesn’t address the root causes of emotional turmoil and seeking help is crucial for finding healthier ways to cope.

Are there different types of self-harm?

Yes, there are different types of self-harm, and it’s crucial to distinguish between them to understand the intentions and needs behind these behaviours.

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is a type of self-harm where individuals deliberately injure themselves without intending to cause death. This can include behaviours like:

• Cutting off the skin
• Burning of the skin
• Hitting or banging body parts for pain
• Scratching skin until it draws blood
• Carving words or symbols into the skin
• Hair pulling
• Interfering with wound healing
• Ingesting non-lethal, harmful substances
• Excessive rubbing of the skin with an abrasive material

While NSSI is not a suicide attempt, it’s important to recognise that those who engage in NSSI may still experience suicidal thoughts or be at higher risk of suicide in the future.

On the other hand, suicidal self-harm is when individuals inflict harm on themselves with the intent of ending their lives. This type of self-harm is directly linked to a desire to escape life or unbearable psychological pain. Unlike NSSI, where the intention is to manage or express emotions, suicidal self-harm is rooted in the desire to cease consciousness or existence.

The key difference lies in the intention: NSSI is a coping mechanism to deal with emotional distress, whereas suicidal self-harm is an attempt to end life. Both forms of self-harm are serious and require attention, but the approaches to helping someone who engages in NSSI versus suicidal self-harm may differ, emphasising the need for appropriate mental health support.

Why is self-harming and addiction commonly linked?

Understanding the connection between self-harming and addiction often involves exploring which behaviour might come first and how one can influence the other. These two destructive behaviours frequently reinforce each other, creating a complex and intertwined relationship.

Self-harming leads to addiction

For some individuals, self-harm is the starting point for addiction, especially if the self-harming behaviours began in adolescence. They may begin self-harming as a way to cope with intense emotional pain or psychological distress. However, the relief that self-harm provides is often temporary and over time, it may lose its effectiveness.

To enhance or prolong the relief, some individuals may turn to substances, such as alcohol or drugs, as an additional coping mechanism. The combination of self-harm and substance use can quickly spiral into addiction, as the individual relies more heavily on substances to achieve the same emotional numbness or escape that self-harm once provided.

Addiction leading to self-harming

In other cases, addiction may be the first behaviour to emerge. Substance abuse often alters brain chemistry, leading to mood swings, emotional instability and heightened feelings of guilt or shame. As addiction progresses, individuals may find themselves engaging in self-harm as a way to cope with the intense emotional turmoil caused by their substance use.

The addictive substance may lower inhibitions or impair judgement, making self-harm more likely as a form of punishment, relief or even distraction from the chaos of addiction.

How is self-harm and addiction treated at Banbury Lodge?

You may be feeling worried about the idea of rehab, and that’s completely understandable. At Banbury Lodge, we aim to be transparent about how our programme is structured so you can gain a clear understanding of what to expect. This clarity can help ease some of the concerns you might have.

• Detox: If detox is necessary, it will be the first step in your journey with us. Detox is a crucial point because it allows your body to safely rid itself of the substances that have contributed to your addiction. Attempting detox on your own can be risky, particularly when both addiction and self-harm are involved, as the physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms can be severe. At Banbury Lodge, you’ll be supported by medical staff 24/7 to ensure that this process is as safe and comfortable as possible.
• Therapy: Once detox is complete, the focus shifts to a comprehensive therapy programme that addresses both addiction and self-harm. During your stay at Banbury Lodge, therapies like Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) will specifically target self-destructive behaviours, helping you build resilience against both addiction and self-harm. DBT is particularly effective for those who struggle with self-harm, as it teaches you how to manage your emotions in healthier ways.

Mindfulness-based therapies will also play a key role in your recovery, aiding in emotional regulation and promoting a sense of inner peace. Additionally, group therapy will provide you with a strong network of peers who understand your struggles, offering mutual support and encouragement.

• Aftercare: After completing rehab, our aftercare programme will ensure you continue to receive support, including ongoing counselling and participation in support groups. The goal is to empower you with the skills and support needed to lead a healthier life, free from both self-harm and substance abuse. We’re here to help you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel confident in your recovery journey.

Can I still attend addiction recovery if I self-harm?

Before entering Banbury Lodge’s rehab programme for self-harm and suicide, your self-harming behaviours must be under control. This requirement is in place because the programme is designed to focus on the underlying causes of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, providing the therapeutic support needed to address these issues. However, if the self-harm is not managed before entering rehab, it could interfere with the treatment process, making it more difficult for you to engage in and benefit from the therapies offered fully.

If you’re currently struggling with self-harm, it’s important to contact your doctor or mental health professional. They can help you gain better control over these behaviours, possibly through a combination of therapy and medication. Ensuring that your self-harm is under control before starting the programme will give you the best chance of success in your recovery journey.

What are the next steps?

If you or someone you know is struggling with both self-harm and addiction, Banbury Lodge offers a specialised programme designed to address both issues simultaneously. We understand the complex relationship between self-harming behaviours and substance use, and our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way.

Take the first step towards healing by reaching out to Banbury Lodge today. Our dual-diagnosis programme is tailored to meet your unique needs, providing a safe and supportive environment where you can begin your journey to recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions