hey sweetie. I am a recovered cutter.  Im sure I dont need to explain the exilhirating feeling and utmost relief when the blade slices through your skin.  When all the pain and anguish washes down the drain.  I know honey.   But can I tell you why I think cutting is such a 'bad' way of coping...  Its because the scars physically lasts forever.  binge drinking, smoking pot till your ears pop, driving at top speed (without killing yourself of someone else) all is a temporary fix and coping strategy.  And its not that we really care about what other people think of our scars.  Its one day, when you have finally recovered and found peace with yourself, that you look upon them and you feel ashamed and you hurt for the girl that did this.  We dont need to be reminded for the rest of our lives of the hurt and suffering we went through.  Also you dont want to one day explain to your little girl what happened to your arms.  Do you?    To stop cutting is about protecting your future.   Good luck sweetie.  p.s.  what usually helped for me, was to put off the music, get out of the house and take a walk and talk to one of your closest friends or family members.  Just talk.  You dont need to explain.