Oh that's interesting. I had always assumed it had to do with stress, but I never thought it could be classified as an addiction. That must be why even though I'm not really stressed anymore, I'm having such trouble stopping. I hadn't considered fake nails. I suppose I could get some cheap ones and give that a shot. I've never heard of painting your nails with gel either?? I'm learning so much, thank you all Currently trying to play with a little rock owl I've had for a while whenever I get the urge. I don't particularly want to resort to hurting myself (even with a rubberband) quite yet, but if these other methods don't work I might have to, lol.