Self-medicating with a prescription, over-the-counter medication, or other substances can be dangerous. Before taking any medication, it is always best to talk to a medical professional and ensure that the drug is right for you. In some cases, the effects of self-medicating can lead to a dependence on the substance. In the most severe cases, self-medication can even increase your risk of medical complications or even death.
Self-medication is when someone uses a substance to apply treatment for an illness, ailment, or emotional state. Many people diagnose themselves with a medical or mental condition and proceed to self-medicate in hopes of improving their symptoms without seeing or speaking with a health professional. Taking medication without talking to a doctor can be dangerous and even lead to addiction or dependence on the substance.
While minor forms of self-medication, such as taking over-the-counter pain medicine for a headache, are typical occurrences, self-medicating can become dangerous if it progresses to harder substances or regular medication use without a doctor’s advice. More severe dangers of self-medication can include someone who may begin to misuse prescription drugs or seek illegal substances as a coping mechanism.
In some cases, you may have an underlying medical condition or disorder that can negatively react with medication. Additionally, if you self-medicate to alleviate symptoms without consulting a doctor, you may be treating an underlying medical condition that you do not know you have. Without medical guidance, an undiagnosed medical condition may worsen over time, causing more severe symptoms or complications.
Self-medicating can be dangerous and lead to several complications and poor health. Potential risks of self-medication include incorrectly self-diagnosing and taking the wrong medication. In some instances, harmful drug interactions may occur due to incorrect dosage or medication misuse. To minimize potential risks, always consult a medical professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and a prescription for medication.
People may use various substances to self-medicate, including over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. In addition to traditional medicine, many people might also turn to drugs such as marijuana to manage their symptoms. Even legal substances, such as alcohol, can cause severe medical complications and dependencies when people misuse them.
People often misuse prescription medication to self-medicate. For example, someone experiencing pain or soreness may take a muscle relaxer or pain pill. While this may seem like a good idea, it can be hazardous. One of the dangers of self-medication is that when people regularly use these drugs without a doctor’s supervision, they may become dependent on them and form an addiction to prescription medication.
Many people may self-medicate using alcohol. In a mild situation, someone may have a drink to loosen up in a new social setting. In more severe cases, someone may use alcohol to try to dull feelings of depression or anxiety. Over time, this person may begin to drink more often and in more substantial amounts, hoping to reduce negative feelings or emotions. In situations like this, you may develop a dependency on alcohol.
Marijuana is a substance many people use when self-medicating, as it is a popular psychoactive drug that may decrease feelings of stress or anxiety. While some may feel a slight improvement when using marijuana, this is only temporary. Many people often feel the same negativity again once the effects of marijuana have worn off. Some people even develop a dependency on marijuana.
Ilera Healthcare is a recognized leader in evidence-based treatments that benefit patients recovering from a substance use disorder. We take a holistic approach and use the latest practices, including therapy and medication, in combination with empathetic engagement. Our techniques empower patients to fully recover and experience lifelong success. With a highly skilled team of addiction experts, we strive to provide customized and personalized treatments for people at any stage of recovery.
