what makes it addictive?

[BelleRaven]

from a biological point of view. from reading I read that it was the release of endorphins which is that "good" feeling you feel after cutting,burning etc.

is that it or is it a combination of that and obvious psychological issues?

[SkiesBlue]

I think its probably a combination of everything. There certainly is a biological factor but I think the psychological one out weighs it. If it was simply a case of endorphins that eating chocolate would surfice but there is clearly something else which makes it so addictive that this isn't the case, frame of mind must play a large role.

[Schleier von Dunst]

^ I think you've hit the nail on the head there.

The endorphins released help, definitely, but as mentioned, eating chocolate would work just as well there. I think it's because you develop a habit, you get used to having it there to turn to. As if the feeling of it being there makes you want it again and again. Frame of mind... Yes. "I feel bad. I want to hurt myself" instead of "I'm not feeling good today, I'll find something I enjoy".

I'm rambling. But you get the idea.

[BelleRaven]

^^ yes that does make sense.

[starseeker]

i could be really really wrong here
but i read somewhere that the endorphines are released and you feel good/relief for the reasons other people have said better than i could. so then your brain wants that feeling again. But eventually your body gets used to the SI and you dont feel the same rush. so you go further and worse. and then theres like a cycle.
dunno though :)

[BelleRaven]

makes sense to me

[Einmyria]

Im suprised no one has mentioned dopamine. I think as well as the endorphins (natural painkiller) which can create a more euphoric feeling, pain stimulates a reward circuit involving dopamine and the brain therefore comes to associate the SI with the rewarding feeling from the dopamine.

(I could be wrong, but thats what Ive gathered)