Same problem here, I work away on oil platform for 3 weeks at a time with no access to alcohol. My nails grow during this time to healthy lengths and I seem to have no compulsion to bite them. When I return home for 3 weeks I don’t usually bother with drink for the first few days, as soon as I get a drink in my hand, it’s game over, I unconsciously rip into my nails and take them right back to a point my fingers hurt and look disgusting. It’s making me consider stopping drinking as my only conclusion is that it doesn’t agree with me.
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Wow, I thought I'd google wine drinking and nail biting and found this site. The only time I find myself biting my nails is after drinking red wine (I'm not a white wine fan). I'm glad to hear I'm not alone, but I still wonder why I do this
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I too have related the alcohol consumption with nail biting as well and didn’t put the two together until I quit drinking. I was able to grow very long nails with no desire to bite them at all when sober. When I did drink regularly again I didn’t bite them for a while until I did. When I started biting I could not stop, to the point of pain and bleeding. You think that would stop me but no. I am convinced it’s due to anxiety and alcohol causes more anxiety.
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I too have related the alcohol consumption with nail biting as well and didn’t put the two together until I quit drinking. I was able to grow very long nails with no desire to bite them at all when sober. When I did drink regularly again I didn’t bite them for a while until I did. When I started biting I could not stop, to the point of pain and bleeding. You think that would stop me but no. I am convinced it’s due to anxiety and alcohol causes more anxiety.
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I do this too! I believe the chemical reaction in the brain causes anxiety that you can’t control and hence you chomp away! I have sns on my nails and don’t touch them but in the odd occasion when my nails are natural I bite like mad and always feel guilty regardless of alcohol. Therefore it’s fair to say that we nail biters are determined and alcohol just releases our right
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Honestly this is actually a minor symptom - I was a severe nail biter as a child (childhood trauma that I have since resolved ) but when I drink I do bite my nails and it brings me back to my childhood trauma as a reminder.. I have still made amazing progress but this is still a reminder of my beginnings. It’s ok to remember where you came from and how far you have come! I’d this if this is the only issue you still wrestle with its not a big deal. Congrats on being able to recognize your progress! And how far you have come! Look at us now!
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Same for me… red wine is the catalyst for my nail biting… it’s like they annoy me to the point I have to almost make them bleed to stop. What is it in red wine? Anything else I am fine.
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I do as well, I'm a 28yo guy and usually don't bite them or anything, more just trim them with a knife when needed, but when I get drunk I usually go ham and trim ones that don't need it for some reason.
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Health Hero
1626 posts
Hi, guest.
Compulsive nail-biting, also known as onychophagia, is a common habit that affects many people. It is often a response to stress, anxiety, or boredom, and can become a habitual behavior. In some cases, it can be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
In your case, it seems that alcohol may be a trigger for your nail-biting behavior. Alcohol can lower inhibitions and increase impulsivity, which may make it more difficult for you to resist the urge to bite your nails. Additionally, alcohol can be a way of self-medicating anxiety, and nail-biting may be a way of coping with that anxiety.
It's important to note that excessive nail-biting can lead to damage to the nails and surrounding skin, as well as an increased risk of infection. If you're concerned about your nail-biting behavior, there are several strategies that you can try to help break the habit, such as keeping your nails trimmed, applying bitter-tasting nail polish, and finding alternative ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
Hope this helps!
Compulsive nail-biting, also known as onychophagia, is a common habit that affects many people. It is often a response to stress, anxiety, or boredom, and can become a habitual behavior. In some cases, it can be a symptom of an underlying mental health condition, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
In your case, it seems that alcohol may be a trigger for your nail-biting behavior. Alcohol can lower inhibitions and increase impulsivity, which may make it more difficult for you to resist the urge to bite your nails. Additionally, alcohol can be a way of self-medicating anxiety, and nail-biting may be a way of coping with that anxiety.
It's important to note that excessive nail-biting can lead to damage to the nails and surrounding skin, as well as an increased risk of infection. If you're concerned about your nail-biting behavior, there are several strategies that you can try to help break the habit, such as keeping your nails trimmed, applying bitter-tasting nail polish, and finding alternative ways to cope with stress and anxiety.
Hope this helps!
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So here I am, two large glasses of wine last night, and ragged, chewed nails this morning!
I have only recently made the connection with alcohol consumption and my bitten nails.
But, it's not something I do when in company, or cooking, or writing essays or indeed anything other than sitting alone, possibly watching telly..
I'm hazarding a guess that boredom plays its part in this scenario..
I also have incredibly thin, soft nails, which almost peel off my fingers (strangely satisfying), not sure if that affects the chew factor
I have only recently made the connection with alcohol consumption and my bitten nails.
But, it's not something I do when in company, or cooking, or writing essays or indeed anything other than sitting alone, possibly watching telly..
I'm hazarding a guess that boredom plays its part in this scenario..
I also have incredibly thin, soft nails, which almost peel off my fingers (strangely satisfying), not sure if that affects the chew factor
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Health Hero
1626 posts
Hello.
It sounds like you have identified a potential trigger for your nail-biting behavior, which is alcohol consumption. It's possible that when you are alone and bored, you may be more likely to engage in this behavior. Additionally, having thin and soft nails may make them more susceptible to peeling and biting.
If you are looking to stop or reduce your nail-biting habit, there are several strategies you can try. Some people find it helpful to keep their nails short, apply a bitter-tasting nail polish, or wear gloves when alone to prevent the behavior. Others may find it helpful to identify and address the underlying emotional or psychological factors that contribute to the habit, such as stress or anxiety.
In any case, it's important to remember that breaking a habit can take time and effort. Be patient with yourself and try different strategies until you find what works best for you.
It sounds like you have identified a potential trigger for your nail-biting behavior, which is alcohol consumption. It's possible that when you are alone and bored, you may be more likely to engage in this behavior. Additionally, having thin and soft nails may make them more susceptible to peeling and biting.
If you are looking to stop or reduce your nail-biting habit, there are several strategies you can try. Some people find it helpful to keep their nails short, apply a bitter-tasting nail polish, or wear gloves when alone to prevent the behavior. Others may find it helpful to identify and address the underlying emotional or psychological factors that contribute to the habit, such as stress or anxiety.
In any case, it's important to remember that breaking a habit can take time and effort. Be patient with yourself and try different strategies until you find what works best for you.
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I’ve been a nail biter and picker all my life! I’d like to break the chain. Especially my right little finger nail. It’s like self harm! I find I pick and bite more after alchohol consumption. When I wake in the morning, I count how many finger and thumb nails down! It depresses me.
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Yes! Not alone. But also not the same. I tend to want to get out tools and clip nails and toe nails. Waking up to regret and tender digits. Why???? And def worse after wine!
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