What does self-medication mean?
Self-medication describes a situation where an individual uses drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress, pain, or emotional issues like anxiety and depression.
This behaviour is widely accepted in various cultures, with phrases like “take the edge off” or “wet the baby’s head” making it seem harmless and, at times, fun.
However, self-medicating can quickly spiral into a cycle of addiction and substance abuse if left unaddressed.
Early identification of self-medication and seeking support is crucial to prevent the onset of addiction and safeguard your overall health and well-being.
Self-medicating is a pervasive issue in our culture, with a significant percentage of the global population engaging in some form of self-medication.
For instance, if we look at Canada alone, a 2019 study revealed that around 1% of Canadians aged 15 and older engaged in substance abuse, particularly opioid pain relievers.
In addition, among those who abused stimulant drugs, over 37% reported problematic use.
Worryingly, self-medicating is often overlooked or even encouraged, particularly in some communities where drinking vast quantities of alcohol is normal or deemed more socially acceptable than others.
For instance, in some social circles, heavy drinking is seen as a sign of strength or a way to bond with others, leading to its normalisation and even encouragement.
There are many ways a person can self-medicate, but the most common substances people use to self-administer treatment include alcohol, drugs, herbs, or other home remedies.
One of the most harmful aspects of self-medicating is the absence of medical guidance, a factor that should raise serious concerns.
For example, many self-medicate without first consulting their doctor or health physician, putting them at high risk of severe health complications and other issues.
This article explores the impact of self-medicating, which can trap people into a cycle of addiction and dependency, leading to severe health complications, social issues, and even legal problems.
If you are worried about your (or a loved one’s) substance use or other behaviours you might use to cope, it might be time to seek the help of a professional who can offer further guidance and support.
Substance addiction treatment in Ontario
At Centres for Health and Healing, we provide comprehensive, personalised treatment for individuals grappling with a range of dependency issues, including prescription drug addictions like opioid, morphine, and fentanyl abuse.
We offer a range of different treatments to help you abstain from substances and regain control over your life, including:
- Inpatient treatment.
- Medical detox.
- Outpatient support.
Evidence-based treatment, such as behavioural therapy, trauma-informed treatment, and individual therapy, help you explore and address maladaptive thoughts, behaviours, and beliefs that cause or exacerbate your need to numb or escape painful feelings and emotions through self-medication.
Experiential approaches such as mindfulness and yoga help recalibrate your nervous system, allowing you to feel more calm and emotionally regulated.
Aftercare and support programs that offer continuous support and care after you complete inpatient treatment. This program helps you navigate life after recovery by teaching you healthy coping skills and relapse-prevention strategies so that you can maintain sobriety and stay well.
To learn more about our substance abuse recovery program in Ontario, speak to a member of our team today.
Remember, you are not alone. Our team is always here to lend a listening ear.
When self-medicating becomes a trap
Those who self-medicate are only curbing the symptoms of a mental health condition or medical issue.
Taking the edge off your pain might seem helpful or effective in the short term; however, the root cause(s) often remain unaddressed, which can become a trap that leads to a cycle of addiction and dependency over time.
This means that the more you self-medicate, the more you rely on it to function, and the harder it becomes to stop, potentially leading to a worsening of your condition and other health risks if left untreated.
Recognising this cycle is imperative and can help you avoid the long-term health risks associated with self-medicating.
Being able to identify the signs of addiction early is key to helping you seek treatment and support before the problem escalates, empowering you to take control of your health.
Let’s explore this further.
Identifying addiction early and seekinghelp
Much research shows that self-medicating increases a person’s risk of developing a substance use disorder (SUD) such as alcohol or drug addiction and other health issues.
As mentioned, identifying the signs of addiction as early as possible can help you avoid the complications associated with self-medicating and get the help and support you need and deserve.
Below are some signs and symptoms of substance addiction to watch out for.
- Changes in routine and priorities. For instance, you might prioritise drinking or drug-taking over school or work responsibilities.
- Decline in your physical health and well-being. A decline in your physical health may be a sign that self-medicating has become an issue for you. Signs of health-related issues linked to substance use include unexplained health problems like pain or fatigue, weight changes, or missed doctor appointments due to substance abuse.
- Relationship problems. Substance abuse and self-medication can cause profound strain and damage to your relationships. One of the reasons for this is that drugs and alcohol can significantly impair your judgement, leading to unhealthy choices that make it hard to maintain healthy dynamics.
- Mood swings. Emotional instability and self-medication create a vicious cycle. Many people turn to substances to numb difficult emotions, which in turn makes it harder to process them in a healthy way. Additionally, substances disrupt brain chemistry, particularly in areas responsible for mood regulation. For example, drugs and alcohol can lower levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter that helps promote calmness, leading to increased anxiety and emotional turbulence over time.
- Self-medicating to cope with a physical or mental health condition. Many use drugs or alcohol to cope with the symptoms of a physical or mental health disorder, including chronic pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, or PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder.) This can lead to a worsening of an individual’s symptoms and may cause other health complications such as liver disease, stomach issues, and other co-occurring disorders.
Additional signs and symptoms of substance abuse to watch out for include:
- Drinking or taking drugs while at work.
- Using drugs or drinking alcohol first thing in the morning.
- Engaging in substance use to manage stress or when feeling stressed.
- Using substances to cope with difficult or painful emotions.
- Drinking alcohol or using drugs during family occasions or events.
- Being dependent on alcohol or drugs to cope with daily life.
- Social withdrawal and isolation.
- Needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect (tolerance).
Seeking help
Those who develop a substance use disorder due to self-medicating usually, if not always, require some form of treatment to help them manage their addiction and regain control over their lives.
The most effective treatment for substance use disorders, including those that occur due to self-medicating, includes an integrated, holistic approach that involves a range of different therapies and modalities.
These programs usually include the following:
- Medical detox. A good substance abuse recovery program usually starts with a medical detox. This treatment is facilitated under the guidance and supervision of a medical team trained in detox management to help rid your body of substances and offer medical treatment to help you manage withdrawal symptoms.
- Inpatient treatment. Individuals recovering from substance abuse stay in a private rehab facility where they receive 24-hour care and medical supervision from their treatment team.
- Behavioural therapy and counselling. As part of an integrated substance abuse recovery program, individuals engage in therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy to help them understand their addiction, its symptoms and causes, and how to manage cravings while practising healthy coping strategies that help them avoid relapse.
- Trauma-informed treatment. For many people, mental health challenges such as addiction and self-medication stem from past trauma. At Centres for Health and Healing, we take a trauma-informed approach, ensuring your experiences are acknowledged and respected. We focus on providing a safe, supportive space to help you process past trauma without fear of re-traumatisation, fostering healing through empathy, understanding, and evidence-based care.
Other treatments for alcohol and drug addiction may include:
- Family therapy.
- Medication-assisted treatment. This includes medication and counselling to treat your addiction.
- Group support.
- Aftercare programs to help you navigate life after inpatient treatment.
Bottom line
People turn to self-medication for a variety of reasons, each rooted in their own unique struggles, life history, and circumstances.
This may include financial constraints preventing access to professional help, societal stigma around mental health issues, or simply a lack of awareness about the potential risks.
As mentioned, one of the most common reasons people turn to self-medication is to help them cope with painful emotions or feelings.
In the short term, this may offer the individual some temporary release, alleviating them, however briefly, from their suffering.
However, such relief is short-lived, and it’s not long before the effects of self-medicating materialise, often in the form of anxiety, depression, and a worsening of existing symptoms.
As well as what’s already been covered, research shows that individuals may self-medicate due to the following reasons:
Not having enough time or resources to seek proper medical care.
Unwillingness to reach out for professional help and support.
Denying (or hiding) a mental health issue or other medical problem.
If the above sounds familiar, you must know you are not alone.
Help and support are available, and when treated early, you can avoid the long-term health risks associated with self-medication and substance abuse.
Alcohol and drug addiction treatment in Ontario: Finding reovery at Centres for Health and Healing
At Centres for Health and Healing, we understand the challenges that those with addiction face, allowing us to bring our wealth of knowledge and experience to our substance abuse recovery programs to help our clients not only recover but thrive.
From addiction specialists to mental health counsellors and trauma-informed professionals, we aim to provide a safe, nurturing environment with compassionate, knowledgeable staff.
Although we come from various backgrounds and disciplines, our team all share a common goal: to help you create an empowering alternative to whatever struggles you might be facing.
Whether you struggle with addiction issues or other emotional difficulties, we can help you get a grip on your symptoms, address the root causes, and ultimately lead the life you always imagined but didn’t think was possible.
If you are ready to take the first step toward lasting healing and sobriety, contact our professional team in Ontario for further support and guidance.
We are here and ready to guide you toward lasting recovery and transformation.