Self Medication - The Risk of Using Substances to Cope 

In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves grappling with stress, anxiety, depression, and various other challenges. In the pursuit of relief, some individuals turn to self-medication, using substances like drugs, alcohol, food or home remedies as coping mechanisms.

One key factor that contributes to self-medication is a person's struggle with self-regulation vulnerabilities, including difficulties in managing emotions, self-esteem, relationships, and self-care.

Forms of self-medication vary widely and may include prescription medications, recreational drugs, food, or even nicotine. Regardless of the form it takes, self-medication carries significant risks that need to be addressed.

1. Incorrect Self-Diagnosis: One of the most significant dangers of self-medication is the potential for incorrect self-diagnosis. Without professional guidance, individuals may misinterpret their symptoms, leading to inappropriate or ineffective treatments.
2. Delays in Seeking Medical Attention: Relying on self-medication can result in delays in seeking proper medical attention. This delay can exacerbate existing health issues and lead to more severe complications.
3. Drug Interactions: When individuals self-medicate, they often overlook potential drug interactions. Mixing substances can have unpredictable and dangerous effects on the body.
4. Incorrect Manner of Administration and Dosage: Self-medication often lacks the precision of medical supervision. Incorrect administration and dosage can lead to adverse reactions and, in some cases, overdose.
5. Masking Severe Diseases: By attempting to manage symptoms themselves, individuals may inadvertently mask the presence of a severe underlying disease. Delaying diagnosis and treatment can have devastating consequences.
6. Risk of Dependence: Over time, self-medication can lead to the development of substance use disorders (SUDs). This risk becomes more pronounced as individuals rely on substances to cope.

Identifying the signs of self-medication is crucial for early intervention. It's essential to be vigilant and seek help when needed. Here are some red flags that may indicate self-medication:

1. Regularly Turning to Substances: You find yourself repeatedly using drugs or alcohol to cope with feelings of anxiety, stress, or depression.
2. Deteriorating Well-Being: Self-medicating seems to make you feel worse, depleting your energy, compromising your immune system, affecting your sleep, and potentially setting off a downward spiral of health problems.
3. Increasing Tolerance: You need more and more of the substance to experience the same relief, indicating a growing tolerance.
4. Multiple Life Problems: Self-medication is causing or exacerbating problems in your relationships, health, or financial situation.
5. Worrying About Access: You become anxious or distressed when you don't have access to the substance you use for self-medication.
6. Concern from Loved Ones: Friends and family express concerns about your substance use and its impact on your life.

References: 

EJ;, K. (n.d.). The self-medication hypothesis of substance use disorders: A reconsideration and recent applications. Harvard review of psychiatry. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9385000/ 

ME;, R. (n.d.). Risks of self-medication practices. Current drug safety. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20615179/#:~:text=Potential%20risks%20of%20self%2Dmedication,severe%20disease%20and%20risk%20of  

Robinson, L. (2023, June 21). Self-medicating depression, anxiety, and stress. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/self-medicating.htm