From: Hermit (virus@hermit.net)
Date: Thu Sep 25 2003 - 10:37:14 MDT
Kid-A
You need four strategies to defeat this habit.
[*]First mental. See any hypnotherapist. They can instill a block against nail biting. It works.
[*]Second physical. If you can afford it after paying the hypnotherapist, treat yourself to a manicure. Having your nails looking and feeling nice will help you not to bite them, and the cost of having the manicure (especially if high enough) will help you avoid biting them. Ask the manicurist to cut them short. If you can't find a way to afford it, clip your nails really short yourself, and then file them very, very smoothly. Carry a nailfile in your wallet.
[*]Third an alarm system. Apply bitter aloes (aka Aloe Vera, Aloe barbadensis and Aloe vulgaris in slightly different formulations) to your nails three times a day at meal times. Bitter aloes contain aloectin B (an immune system stimulant) which is very soothing on the skin, but more importantly in this application, they contain anthraquinones - one of the most bitter substances we know. Because of that, if you do bite your nails after starting this regime, you will know about it immediately. If you find yourself tasting bitter aloes, take whatever safety actions seem suitable, then file your nails smooth again and as soon as you can arrrange it, return to the hypnotherapist for a second treatment. (This may be what Mermaid was thinking of).
[*]Fourth displacement activity: I suggest either an exercise ball or a set of worry beads. When you have nothing to do with your hands, play with your new toy instead.
This may seem like a lot more complication than necessary, but when you have developed a habit from childhood, and the habit involves a number of pleasure reflex stimulators, they can be very difficult to break, and you need all the breaks you can give yourself.
Good luck
Hermit
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