Adult thumb sucking - how can I kick the habit?

[Brunelofbrio]

I’ve been a thumb sucker all my life and whilst I manage to keep it private I am concerned that it is creeping more into my life as I am currently home alone during the day.

I am aware that the recurrent threadworm nightmare that we have at home is as much down to me as the DCs but I can’t seem to break the habit. I am also trying to help DCs with nail biting etc due to Corona Virus but its hard and hypocritical...

I have anxiety and thumb sucking helps me relax but please can people give me some examples of things that have worked for them?

I’m afraid I can’t help because I just seemed to stop in my early 30s but some of things I tried included The stop nail biting Varnish stuff, wearing a big ring on my thumb and keeping my hands busy. My worst time was going to sleep so I also tried wearing socks on my hands and sleeping with hands under the pillows.
Im not sure what worked but eventually I just stopped

I can try with some suggestions but different things work for different people :) Try something that'll remind you, very bright polish only on your sucky thumb? Something that tastes nasty on that thumb. A big ring on it as PP suggested.

Alternatively find something to replace the habit with, could you try rubbing something soft against your face whenever you want to suck your thumb?

You can get tactile sensory chewies for younger children, you can probably get some for adults too. Something to pop in your mouth when you feel the urge.

The only thing that worked for my DD was horrible varnish stuff for day time and socks on her hands in bed, taped at the wrists so they don't come off. Broke the habit in just a few nights.

I replaced the thumb sucking with another soothing habit. Rubbing silky clothing labels. Slightly less embarrassing than the thumb sucking and my teeth don't suffer anymore.

For some people oral gratification is the only form of self-soothing that really works. Thumb-sucking is regarded as childish, so most oral types graduate to cigarettes (or vaping nowadays), chewing gum, snacking - anything involving the mouth. My advice would be to address your levels of anxiety (professional help?), plus take up some kind of wellbeing practice (yoga, qi gung, mindfulness, etc), and try sugar-free gum. Good luck!

Look up thumbsies. It's worked for my 3 year old!

False nails?

Just carry on doing it and don't fight it! I am nearly 40 and still suck mine, despite my parents' persistent (and frankly pointless) attempts to stop me when I was a child. It feels nice and comforts me, so I'm going to carry on.

Hypnotherapy?

Another shout for thumbsies.