what is sh addiction

Self-harm addiction, also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), is a condition in which individuals deliberately hurt themselves as a way to cope with emotional pain or stress. It can be characterized by a pattern of behavior similar to that of substance addiction, involving cravings, periods of relapse, and a sense of relief or reward. Several factors, such as childhood trauma, mood disorders, and difficulty managing emotions, can contribute to the development of self-harm addiction. The addictive nature of self-harm is believed to involve the brain's dopamine and opioid systems, which are associated with feelings of reward, learning, and stress reduction. While self-harm addiction is not officially recognized as a diagnosable addiction in the DSM-5, it shares similarities with behavioral addictions like gambling and compulsive buying. The feeling of release or control that self- harm provides can lead to addictive patterns of behavior, especially in individuals with low emotional control or those seeking relief from overwhelming stress or negative emotions