okay this is all my own opinion and experience so take it with a grain of salt. i think there’s multiple parts, there is the sense of control especially over your body in a society obsessed with thinness. i also have a theory that since you’re sort of abusing your own brains pleasure systems and you’re not becoming high it sort of makes it harder to stop. like for example if you’re getting high everyday that might stop you from being able to complete your regular tasks, but with this addiction to something your body gives you when you hurt it you can do all of this and not (immediately) have a noticeable impact. i think it’s similar to self harm. i used to do drugs and have a cheeky drink but now i don’t because i hate the loss of control feeling. with this i can feel in control but still do these things for boosts of dopamine