Thumb sucking ?

[italy93]

This might not be the right category but shamelessly posting for traffic...

WIBU to ask for tips on how to quit thumb sucking as an adult?
Mid 20s here and been doing it since birth. I'm desperate to quit as it does seem like such a babyish habit!
Anyone on MN managed to give it up as an adult?

A relative was an adult and still sucking thumb. She started painting her nails with the stuff to stop you biting them, it tastes horrible so after many months it broke the habit.

I managed to quit biting my nails by working in a very poorly managed homeless shelter. It was so gross I just couldn't. I mean coronavirus and thumb sucking... yuk.

Well if you stick to doing it in private, do you have to stop? Everyone needs comfort and if your comfort is free and easily available then that seems like a good deal.

italy93 I'd suggest you try and substitute one thing for another. Have a small bit of velvit in your bag and stroke that instead of thumb sucking. It's just an idea. My dd thumb sucked up to about age 10 or 11 and I researched a lot.

It really is (I think) about how much you want to stop. You may find it hard to stop putting your thumb into your mouth but if you stop and take it out as soon as you realize then the damage is minimal and you may stop.

My dd now needs a brace and her thumb started to smell so it was a good thing when she stopped. Especially with not meant to be touching your face at the moment, I think stopping now is a good time.

Good luck.

I bandaged up my daughter’s thumb and that worked.

I’m 40 and still do it, it doesn’t harm anyone and I’m not going to stop. There are far worse habits!

I used to suck my thumb loads, still do on occasion, and I’m 47. I’d try not to worry about it. It’s a way of self soothing and calming yourself which is a good outcome.

I'm 39 and still suck mine. Don't fight it!

Hand sanitiser.

I stopped biting my nails using an app. Can't remember what it's called but you have to log every time you do x habit, and what you were doing/feeling at the time to try and see what triggers it. After a few days it became too much effort to log it, I would put my hands to my mouth and think, ah fuck, I'll have to get the app out and fill out the form, and it wasn't worth the effort cracked it in a few days.

27 still suck mine (in private ) and no plans to stop it's the best comfort and if you've never done it you would never understand how nice it is

I still suck my thumb, I am 45

I stopped by wrapping my thumb in plasters.

Thumb sucking caused a lot of damage to my teeth so HAD to stop before I started orthodontics and needed a brace for 2 years.

My teeth are perfect now!

Also - I found it harder than quitting smoking. Be prepared!

Thanks all, i didn't expect so many replies! It is reassuring to hear that there are other adult thumb suckers out there

I would like to quit, only because it's starting to affect my teeth (had braces as a child for this very reason and would hate to have to do it again!)

I'm going to look for some of that bitter tasting nail stuff, and I like the idea of having some fabric to stroke for that 'comforting' feeling!

Good idea about the soft fabric. Good luck!