2ndhandsaint,
This is a fine place to talk about this. Thanks for sharing your story and know that you aren't alone. Many people use self harm as an outlet that can occur for various reasons, including yours. There is no right or wrong answer and no straight answer to a cure. However, outreaching (beyond forum posting) is probably what you need for how long you have been struggling with this. There are several reasons why you can get over the hump, remove self harm from your life and move forward. For one, you recognize the scars as negativity and want them to stop. You have motivation and can find support, even if it's not through family and friends, there are resources available for you. Because you don't know how to cope with something other than self harm, you keep doing it. Once you explore other options, you will realize that what you're struggling with and how you are coping with it is feasible to a healthy life. Have you spoken with a therapist, counselor, gotten a sponsor or attended a support group? Because you have the motivation to find a cure, there are different types of treatment facilities that can work with you, including
womens treatment specifically designed for people like you. You believe in yourself, now use that skill to overcome this obstacle and begin a new life!