The idea of smoking...

[katence35]

Recently I have been thinking about smoking. It seems like a good outlet since I'm trying to stop self harming and i don't know what else to do. Almost everyday I wish i could smoke just so I can clear my head and not think. I also think about drinking alcohol which is an easier thing to do. I don't know if I actually want to smoke or if I just like the idea of it.

[Angel]

Smoking and drinking are not good outlets for your stress, not in the slightest. You'd only be replacing one addiction for another. Have you considered the possibility that alcoholism may develop from your desire to drink to forget? Instead, why don't you get involved in physical activity such as biking, swimming, dancing, or tune into your artistic side by writing, painting, playing an instrument, or learning a new skill? These are safe, productive ways to spend your time. Doing something you enjoy and developing new, healthy interests are great alternatives to self-harm. Now please reconsider and think things through before you decide on anything rash.

If you're interested, there are many articles and threads posted that you might find helpful in your recovery.
Here are the articles and be sure to check out the stickies located within the self-harm forum.

Best of luck. x

[Gidig]

Smoking and drinking are both really gross things if you think about it.

Alcohol is poisoning your body. You may end up throwing up, blacking out, doing something stupid to hurt you or someone else, sleeping with random people, etc. It leaves a nasty hangover that can last for days. You can also easily get addicted to the point that you constantly feel the need to be drinking just the same as self harm. But with drinking you may get into the social aspect of it which in my opinion is even worse.

Smoking, I'm not sure if you mean cigarettes or weed, but both aren't good outlets.

Research these things before you try them, that's my best advice. Weigh the pros and cons for yourself. Yeah, when you're drinking you may feel happy or even amazing. But does that outweigh the costs of feeling horrible, getting addicted, hurting the people you love, and all that?

[katence35]

Okay thanks. That helps a lot. I think I will start playing my guitar more to clear my head.

[GhostOfYou]

Bleh, it's not as great as you think. I am an ex-smoker ( horraay!!) ... I know it seems like it would releive stress for the moment, it really does take a tole on your money and in the long run, stresses you out more. They can make you naseous ( I used to litteraly throw up), they can give you migrains, you might get light headed and dizzy, if you get addicted -- you will be WAY more stressed if you can't get one than you ever were before starting. Definatly find a different outlet hun. It's bad news.

[Phoebus125]

Smoking to take your mind off of self-harm is like fixing one bad habit with another bad habit. In a sense, by smoking you are still self-harming. Personally I smoke maybe once in awhile (a cigar or pipe or something) but understand that cigarettes are MUCH worse because of all the artificial crap that is crammed into them. Trust me, smoking is not a habit you want to get into. Nor is drinking, unless by "drinking" you meant in strict moderation.

Personally, I think there are much more positive and healthy things you could do to stop self-harming. I've been there, and quitting it wasn't easy but eventually the positive replaced the negative.

Hope I helped

[Maloo]

When I first started smoking, I thought I was doing it in order to keep myself from SHing. Then I realized how stupid that was. The reason I'm not SHisg anymore is because I don't WANT to. I think the mental effects of smoking are exactly that - mental. It's all in your head. I think it only decreases stress because that's what you're trained to believe.

[MadPoet]

Hi Kate,

Like everyone else has said, developing a new addiction in order to replace another is really not a good idea. If you do this, you'll be right back in the same boat again; trying to tackle an addiction. Smoking and drinking are extremely unhealthy habits, and may arguably be even worse than self harm. You're only fifteen, you're a teenager. You don't need to be dealing with recovery from any kind of addiction. You've succeeded in recovering from self harm, and that takes a lot of strength. So be confident in yourself that you have enough strength to continuing living without addiction. You've already proved this by giving up self harm.

As others have said, try finding other outlets; writing, drawing, playing your guitar, etc. Anything that helps you get your mind off of self harm. It's going to take a lot of work, but eventually you'll learn to live without addiction. Just stay strong, and you can get through this

I'm here if you ever need to talk things through. Take care.