I think substituting is normal. I would say i have drank in the past to substitute... i would just crave something instant. Have you tried snapping rubber bands or hair scrunchies on your wrists or squeezing ice? I know they sound foolish but they really do work. And beware of , drinking many don't think it's that bad but it is.. I have done some pretty careless things while under the influence that have forever changed my life for the worse. The overwhelming guilt and shame i feel everyday and that i will for the rest of my life is not worth it. I am my own worst enemy most days. Good luck

I do that but of course I'm a drug addict, so it's "normal" for me...

I know alcohol is bad. My husband is an alcohloic and I hate it. I myself daon't know why I drink. I do very rarely and I almost always regret it later. I get very emotional when I drink which often leads to me getting angry or sad. I did smoke weed for 11 years. That helped me a lot. I quit a year ago and oddly don't miss it one bit!! Sometimes I feel like I am trying to figure out which one is the least bad. I know none of these are good ways to deal with emotion, but they're all I know and all that have worked.

Not really. I just stopped with no subsitue at all

Actually, smoking pot is a decent 'substitute'. I myself smoke it to help suppress my urges. It also helps me cope with my anxiety, depression, and physical ailments. You don't have to believe me, but marijuana is harmless. Especially if it's organic. It's also not addictive, which you yourself can support because you said you don't miss it. :) Our bodies are made to break down THC, and it's got medical uses, so it can't be all bad, right? I've done a lot of research, though. I could write you a several page paper on the truth of marijuana, complete with sources and personal experience. lol But anyway.

Non-drug substitutes I've found helpful are rubber bands, which have already been mentioned. I've also found that practicing punching helps. You damage your knuckles in the process (which will heal of course), but that's part of the effectiveness of it. While you're getting stronger and strengthening your fists, you're also getting that thrill of pain. It's different from deliberately hurting yourself since there's nothing to gain from cutting. Just be sure and learn the proper ways to punch so that you don't break any fingers, hehe.

You could try something constructive, too. I've discovered that painting my nails, crafting with my hands, cooking, and other artistic activities distract me from the want to cut. It's because I'm focusing on a project that I want to make as perfectly as I can. It's refreshing too, for those of us with depression. Personally, any accomplishment I can make in life is elating.

I hope you can find a nice, healthy way of coping other than pills and such. :] You have my support, and the support of others here. Good luck.

yes i substitute too. i am always in a cycle of self harm, i am either cutting or starving myself.it seems the cycle never ends. i am trying to break free from it, but its hell. if i can try, you can too. good luck

I've been substituting with food. :/

yes,the past hmmm... 7 years its always been one thing or another. pills,drink,drugs,eating disorder,other methods of self harm other than cutting. there always seems to be one thing going on. i know when i was trying to hide the fact i was self harming i would take pills like you have said as its not visible. no matter what though..... it always appears to swing back to wanting to cut, it appears to have that little extra kick then other subsitutes for me.

My substitution is smoking and drinking. When i feel in pain i drink, and it relaxes me. I feel no more anger. Im a different and a happy person.