While nailbiting is not officially an addiction, just ask anyone afflicted by the problem if it does not feel like one when it comes to trying to quit the habit. For many, it is harder to kick than losing weight or quitting smoking permanently.
The problem is partly because you are always in close proximity to your nails. You cannot quit hanging around them, the things you do, such as subconsciously feel for imperfections that trigger your nailbiting urges, never completely go away. I do not think you need to know the reason why you bite your nails. That information will not help you quit.
What you do need to know is what events and pre-biting rituals lead to biting. When you find your finger in your mouth, it is easy to work on your will power and try to use it to keep from continuing. It is more difficult to understand what you do that sent the signal to your brain to start the biting session.
You could find being bored or still watching television is a time when you attack your nail and cuticles. That is a nervous habit. Once you are aware, you can take measures to alleviate the situation. You can get something in your hands to fidget with such as prayer beads, a slinky, a tension ball, a tennis ball or anything else to replace the need to use your nails and cuticles to relieve whatever anxiety, boredom or tension is triggering you to bite and pull.
You also need to know what you do to both visually and manually inspect your nails. How often do you find yourself looking at your hand? You may not realize it, but you are looking for something that needs grooming. You do the same thing when your fingers rub against or around each other as you search for that hangnail or ragged tip just begging to be cleaned up.
Learn to groom your hands and nails properly. Use plenty of high quality hand lotion, keep proper nail implements near you at all times. These things will help. For some, knowing and practicing this is all it will take to quit. For others, the process will be more difficult and you will need more help. My book, How to Stop Nail Biting, can help. You can get it on Amazon.com for about $15. It is a quick read with useful solid advice to help you learn to conquer your nail biting habit.
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