I've been having the same problem. I try my best to distract myself but it can be really hard sometimes. Try blasting music and focusing on the lyrics and nothing else. Or if you have someone who would be understanding talk to them.

Yes, the cravings diminish over time.

I went through the SAFE program about 3 years ago, and the first year afterward was the hardest.

I have been clean since May, and haven't had any "cravings" to injure. Rather the cravings have diminished to passing thoughts that I stupidly have acted on. I have gotten to the point where hurting myself with razors or burning does nothing anymore. I don't get that "ultimate calm" that I used to get from injuring.

And no, relapsing is not necessarily a bad thing. As long as you don't let yourself fall back into old patterns. When I've relapsed its always been a one time deal. I haven't picked up and gone back to hurting myself everyday.

If you DO relapse, don't beat yourself up for it. Just pick yourself back up and stay clean from here on out. Tomorrow is a new day...

Hugs.

I've been clean for 2 months and I still get the cravings very often. When I was in a partial hospitalization program, I was taught the wrapping technique. I know it sounds weird, but basically you get a blanket and swaddle yourself up like a baby. It feels comforting and safe. It has always worked for me.

I haven't self injured in over a year now, and i still get cravings to do it. They aren't frequent, and usually i can control it. Most of the time they're just small feelings that go within minutes. But sometimes they're so strong i don't know what to do.!

Comparing this to a year ago where i couldn't go an hour without cravings, they definately get fewer and fewer.

I think part of it is that you know after going for so long and doing so well, that it'll be easy to go back but it'll get more difficult to carry on abstaining from SI.

I'm not sure if it's like everyone else, but thats what i felt. I didn't want to ruin how well i'd done.


Give yourself lots of things to look forward to through the week, and try spend a lot of time with your family while you have the cravings. Because hopefully you'll also be helped by the fact that you stopping yourself from hurting yourself, will help your sister.

I found that i loved going to gigs, and booked tickets for a few a month, and i always had those to look forward to and lift my mood and get rid of my cravings.
I guess its different for everyone. and i'd say you just need to find that one thing that makes everything ok again.

I have been SI free for 15 months now but it is still a battle at times. When I encounter triggers I do sometimes feel the urge but it is possible to come through the other side. Thinking of you xox