Self-medication refers to the practice of treating oneself with medication or substances without the guidance or prescription of a healthcare professional. Individuals may self-medicate for various conditions, from temporary stress to a regularly recurring mental health disorder.
Self-medication is a common practice that has been around for centuries, with people turning to various remedies and activities to address their health concerns. However, problems emerge when people attempt to use potentially addictive substances to treat stress, mental illness, or even physical ailments like colds. Frequent use stops providing relief after some time, and the person develops a substance use disorder.
The rise of the internet and social media has also contributed to the widespread dissemination of information on self-medication practices, leading to a surge in self-diagnosis and treatment. However, it is important to note that while self-medication can offer temporary relief for minor symptoms, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice and care. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before embarking on any self-medication regimen, and to ensure that your self-medication doesn’t eventually lead to a substance use disorder or greater harm.
Common Reasons and Factors Influencing Self-Medicating
There are several reasons why individuals resort to self-medication. Here are some of the most common:
Accessibility of Substances
One common reason people self-medicate is due to a lack of substances that could directly address the problem. Whether it’s with over-the-counter medications or taking in marijuana after alcohol, many self-medication “cures” are readily available in pharmacies and stores without a prescription.
Long-Term Recovery is Intimidating
Additionally, self-medication can be driven by the desire to avoid the time and expense associated with seeking professional healthcare advice. This idea of having to try out different medications, sometimes over the course of weeks, can seem very intimidating or overwhelming to someone feeling pain now. If taking some of the prescription opioids left over from your surgery will help with some of the lingering pain, it may seem more sensible to keep taking the pills instead of seeking out a long-term solution. But solutions like physical therapy or targeted treatments may help relieve the pain while also benefiting the whole body (with no risk of addiction).
Lack of Trust in Healthcare
Some individuals may self-medicate due to a lack of trust in healthcare providers to help them. This is especially true for mental disorders like depression, where someone may fear opening up to another person about intimate subjects. With the abundance of health-related websites and forums, individuals may feel empowered to diagnose and treat themselves based on information they find online. But this can sometimes lead to misinformation and improper self-diagnosis, potentially resulting in drug abuse.
Stigmas Surrounding Seeking Care
The stigma associated with mental health issues can also drive individuals to self-medicate. Using alcohol or drugs seems to provide immediate relief from anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. Seeking professional help for such issues can be daunting due to fear of judgment or societal pressure, and it usually doesn’t provide immediate relief in the moment. But avoiding proper mental health treatment and using substances to self-medicate mental illness symptoms can actually exacerbate underlying issues.
Types of Self-Medication
Self-medication by way of addictive substances is the most well-known use of the phrase “self-medication.” But there are actually different forms of self-medication, and not all of them are negative. At times, healthcare professionals may even advise self-medication if a condition requires regular maintenance.
Over-the-counter medications
Basic cold and pain medications typically contain active ingredients that target specific symptoms and provide relief. It is important to follow the recommended dosage instructions to avoid potential side effects or interactions with other medications.
Herbal/or “natural” remedies
While herbal remedies can be effective for certain conditions, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider or herbalist before using them, as they may not be suitable for everyone. The quality and potency of herbal supplements can vary, so it is crucial to purchase them from reputable sources.
Doing Nothing (“Waiting It Out”)
Many negative periods in life are temporary, and will be alleviated when a certain goal is reached. For example, a person’s period of stress and anxiety about passing a test may end once the test is over (however the person does on the test). Until then, they may just try to cope and practice self-care as best as they can. But not every stress in life can be overcome by having a “stiff upper lip.” If conditions such as anxiety or depression linger far past the time when they’re directly affecting a person, it’s time to seek professional help.
Addictive Substances
To many people, the act of having a drink or smoking a joint goes far beyond a moment of pleasure. It may help them feel regulated or provide a sense of relief from chronic mental illness. However, if a person develops an addiction to the substance due to frequent use, they’ll require more of the same substance over time to feel the same effect. The addiction may also be causing other problems within their life that aggravate their mental illness.
Benefits of Self-Medication
Self-medication can offer benefits for individuals in the moment. It provides convenience and immediate relief for minor ailments, saving individuals time and money. It also gives a sense of empowerment, like the individual is taking control of their own health and well-being.
However, consulting a healthcare provider can help ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. A knowledgeable professional can offer guidance and advice on how to handle similarly stressful situations without turning to addictive substances. Having a drink or using cocaine may feel like a solution to negative feelings. But if a person wants to truly take control of their personal health, it’s best not to use a substance that could provide an adverse reaction in the future.
Risks and Dangers of Self-Medication and Substance Abuse
Self-medication can easily mask underlying health issues, making it difficult for healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose the root cause of symptoms. Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatment, delaying proper medical intervention and potentially worsening the condition. Furthermore, incorrect dosage or misuse of prescription drugs can lead to adverse side effects or even life-threatening complications.
Self-medication can have psychological implications, as it may create a false sense of security and self-reliance. This can lead individuals to neglect seeking professional medical advice when necessary, resulting in missed opportunities for early intervention and proper treatment. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before resorting to addictive substances or ignoring the problem so it “goes away.”
How to Cope with Stress Without Self-Medicating
Stress is a common trigger for a person to self-medicate with an addictive substance (such as alcohol or prescription drugs). But there are healthier alternatives to cope with stress without resorting to self-medicating.
Lifestyle Factors
Many people accurately judge that mental health problems can be helped by adopting a nutritious diet, increasing exercise, or getting out into social situations. It may not ease chronic stress or alter a stressful situation permanently. But it can help lessen the anxieties of certain mental illnesses. The energy and confidence that comes from regularly caring for one’s body can equip a person to better handle stressful situations.
Participating Relaxation Techniques
People can alleviate stress in the moment by practicing deep breathing or practicing methods of self-soothing. Outside of a stressful situation, practicing yoga and meditation can set a person up for success. It can help release tension on a regular basis, help a person stay in touch with their body while recovering from substance use disorder, and help set a person’s baseline level of tension at a lower level.
Seek Social Support
Many 12-Step programs institute a program of sponsorship, wherein a person can call upon a mentor figure whenever they have an urge to use their drug of choice. Addiction can be extremely isolating, and people can frequently feel alone in their stress. Under these circumstances, it’s easy to talk oneself into using addictive substances. But lasting accountability can help remind an individual of their goals and help them work past their tension in the moment.
Partaking in Hobbies and Activities
It’s important to have regular activities that provide joy and fulfillment in life that aren’t tied to a job or personal duties. These can be sports, artistic pursuits, or volunteering for causes you care about. They can be social or solitary by nature. These activities can help provide relief from stress during times when it’s important to respond in the correct way. Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment can help ease tension, and help individuals navigate stressful situations more effectively.
When in doubt, consulting a healthcare professional is always recommended to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Self-medication can provide short-term relief. But it’s important to ensure that a person doesn’t take on an addiction when trying to heal themselves.
Learn Healthy Coping Skills at First Steps Recovery
At First Steps, we believe in developing personalized treatment plans designed to help individuals develop the tools to stay sober. We know everyone is different, and our therapy modalities are selected with the aim of helping to develop strategies that will work for the individual person. If you’re ready to figure out how to live without addictive substances, contact us today.
Dr. Curl is the Medical Director and primary on-site provider for First Steps Recovery. He is a Board Certified Internist and Addiction Medicine Specialist having attended the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completing his residency at Mount Auburn Hospital with Harvard Medical School. Following several years work as an internist and physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation). Dr. Curl completed the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Howard University in Washington DC and participated as a RAM Scholar (Research in Addiction Medicine). While part of the fellowship, Dr. Curl pursued research investigating the barriers to expanding and improving medication for opioid use disorder. Following his fellowship, Dr. Curl spearheaded the Opiate Use Disorder outpatient clinic and worked in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences within the Howard University Hospital. In 2023, Dr. Curl completed his Board Certification in Addiction Medicine.
