A fun way to stop picking

I can totally relate. I developed a 30/day Vicodin habit until my family did an intervention almost four months ago. My picking is now the worst it has ever been. I don't have any productive coping mechanisms to deal with my emotions. I used to pull my hair...I started picking as an alternative to that. Brilliant, right? I used to have violent outbursts, mostly screaming, throwing things, and punching holes in the wall. I started cutting as an alternative to that. When the cutting got out of hand, I started smoking; which, sadly, is the healthiest (and I use the term loosely) habit I have right now. It got to the point where my life was spiraling out of control and smoking wasn't nearly enough. That was when I turned to pills. There are a couple of things that have been somewhat helpful to me, but the key is you have to want them to work/help. I know it sounds stupid and senseless, but it's true. I also know that understanding things intellectually and processing them emotionally are two wholly different concepts, contrary to popular opinion. It's so much easier said then done, particularly in the mind of an obsessive-compulsive person. After all, I wouldn't be here in this forum if I knew how to translate "what I know" into "what I do". I don't know if that makes any sense, but it's the best way I can explain it. Anywho, the two things that have been the most effective for me are: 1) Handheld games: It doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. I have tried several over the years. For me, Solitaire has worked the best. For some reason my brain processes Solitaire the same way it processes picking/pulling, or at least pretty close. Sudoku has also been somewhat helpful, but I have to moderate myself or I get too obsessed. I've tried the "game show" games, but they don't seem to have the same effect. Tetris was probably the worst. I absolutely love it, but it is way too intense, and it only increased my anxiety. 2) Acrylic nails: I have used acrylic nails on and off. Cost is usually the downfall. Try to find someone you are comfortable with and you trust to do quality work. Don't be afraid to tell them what you want. The girl I go to knows (and understands) my nails have to be thick. If they are thin enough that you can still pick, it defeats the whole purpose. Let me be clear, though: acrylic nails do not and will not stop you from picking, no matter how thick they are. We all know: "Where there's a will, there's a way". But it isn't a complete waste of time or money, and here's why: You can still pick, but with the thickness of the nails, you can't get the same result emotionally. You will probably keep trying, but most of the time you will just end up with bruises. After awhile, you will notice a significant decrease in your desire to pick. It's like retraining your brain by creating a situation where the behavior no longer produces the desired emotional benefits. The action is no longer cost-effective for the mind. Keep in mind, this is only what I've experienced. It may not work the same way for everyone else. This isn't a cure, it's a tool. This is also not a "quick fix", it's a process. It takes time and patience, but it's worth it.