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Treatment for addiction takes many forms and depends on the needs of the
individual. In accordance with the American Society of Addiction Medicine, we offer
information on outcome-oriented treatment that adheres to an established continuum of
care. In this section, you will find information and resources related to evidence-based
treatment models, counseling and therapy and payment and insurance options.
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Self-medication is the use of drugs or other substances to treat self-recognized or self-diagnosed health problems. Use of alcohol, illicit drugs or prescription drugs without a doctor's orders can lead to addiction and other health issues.
For generations, people have self-medicated to cure an ailment or illness or to cope with life, often turning to alcohol or over-the-counter drugs. The internet makes it easy to self-diagnose and self-medicate without ever seeing a doctor. But often self-medicating comes at the expense of your health and can lead to addiction.
Self-medication is quite common. Someone with a headache can buy aspirin or Tylenol and feel better. Others, whose anxiety may flare up in certain social situations, might drink a quick beer to loosen up before a big event.
These are mild examples of self-medication. There are extreme and dangerous instances where someone relies heavily on alcohol, prescription medications or illegal drugs as a remedy. Not only can this type of self-medication lead to addiction, but it could cost you your life.
Why Self-Medicate?
Every day, millions of people take over-the-counter drugs or supplements in their attempt to treat common health problems. It’s convenient, cost and time efficient and saves them a doctor’s visit and a costly bill.
The internet allows individuals to conduct their own research and make a self-diagnosis, which is often wrong. With so many products available at the local pharmacy and even the gas station, people are more likely to self-medicate than to see a physician.
There are a number of reasons why people self-medicate. Some feel self-medicating will create a short-term fix. Others choose to do so out of fear or shame to mask their condition. Some want to avoid rising health care costs or perceived inadequate care. Oddly enough, some consumers see pharmacists not as trained health care professionals, but as employees looking to increase profits; this creates distrust among consumers.
In the 1980s, Dr. Edward Khantzian, clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical Center, developed the “self-medication hypothesis of drug abuse,” which suggests that a person’s choice of substances is tied to their emotional state. Individuals with depression, for instance, might turn to amphetamines due to their stimulating properties. Or someone with severe anxiety might turn to alcohol, which has calming effects.
There are numerous consequences to self-medicating that are often overlooked.
Consequences of Self-Medicating
Sometimes self-medicating works out well. You take a Tylenol, and your headache goes away.
But there are many ways self-medicating can go awry, including:
Ironically, a desire to self-medicate in order to avoid a hospital visit may, ultimately, send a person to the hospital. Medical experts implore individuals with chronic illnesses or disorders to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Substances Commonly Used to Self-Medicate
People use a variety of substances to alleviate mental and physical discomfort. These perceived remedies carry great risks when abused.
Alcohol
Given its ubiquity, many turn to alcohol, a depressant, to relieve physical pains or mental fears. They find it to be a quick, accessible solution to their problems. But as they rely more and more on the substance to change their mood or behavior, it often gives way to a long-term addiction. Alcohol also affects the body, negatively impacting your stomach, skin and muscles.
“Once a using pattern begins, often innocently enough, it can come to have a life of its own. No longer is the person downing a drink — now the drink is downing the person.”
Opioids
More than 32 million people worldwide use opioids annually, according to the World Drug Report. Some use substances like codeine and methadone as a means of self-medication, notably for disorders such as depression. Heavy opioid use can worsen existing symptoms and lead to addiction or even death.
Marijuana
Marijuana is one of the more popular drugs used for self-medication. It is a widely popular psychoactive drug that many people, including teenagers, use to help cope with everyday stresses of life.
For some, marijuana relieves anxiety, allowing them to leave their homes and face the world. It helps them feel better physically, emotionally and mentally. Unfortunately, users feel better only temporarily and end up feeling worse once the effects wear off. Chronic users who self-medicate with marijuana can become addicted to the drug and face worsening symptoms.
Ties to Co-Occurring Disorders
Many people who suffer with mental disorders, such as depression, ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder, self-medicate. This often turns into a co-occurring disorder — the combination of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder.
Sixty-five percent of people with PTSD have a co-occurring disorder, and alcoholism risks are high for those who self-medicate. People with ADHD may turn to an illegal drug like cocaine, a stimulant with properties similar to Ritalin.
Studies show that drug dependency exacerbates mental health disorders, especially if illicit drugs are used to self-medicate.
In 2006, a study of 23 individuals with PTSD and a cocaine addiction found that nearly two-thirds of those who reduced their cocaine use saw improvement in their PTSD symptoms. In addition, 86 percent of those who increased their cocaine consumption saw a worsening of their PTSD symptoms.
People with a mental disorder must approach self-medication with extreme caution. At best, drugs and alcohol temporarily mask the issue. At worst, your life could slip beyond your control.
Help for Those Who Self-Medicate
Treatment is available for those who self-medicate to the point of addiction. Maybe it’s time for you to seek help substance abuse treatment.
If you suspect you have a mental disorder, seek treatment immediately instead of attempting to self-medicate. Licensed physicians or psychiatrists can prescribe medications based on your medical history.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Matt Gonzales is a writer and researcher for DrugRehab.com. He graduated with a degree in journalism from East Carolina University and began his professional writing career in 2011. Matt covers the latest drug trends and shares inspirational stories of people who have overcome addiction. Certified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in health literacy, Matt leverages his experience in addiction research to provide hope to those struggling with substance use disorders.
Back, S.E., et. al. (2006, February). Cocaine dependence and PTSD: a pilot study of symptoms interplay and treatment preferences. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15951125
Bukstein, O.G., et. al. (2005, June). Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with substance use disorders. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15908844
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