Self-Medicating
Self-medicating refers to an individual’s attempts to deal with mental health issues, pain or intense emotions through the use of alcohol, drugs or other substances without the guidance of a medical professional. While it can lessen unwanted symptoms, such as anxiety, hopelessness, irritability and negative thoughts, in the short term, self-medicating ultimately exacerbates mental health problems and often leads to substance abuse or dependence. For teenagers, experimentation with substances can escalate to a serious disorder far more quickly than it does for adults, and in youth with mental health conditions it occurs even faster and more frequently.
Many individuals who self-medicate have undiagnosed conditions and unconsciously do so to cope with specific symptoms or situations. Unfortunately, self-medicating is often far more accessible than seeking mental health treatment is. Youth who experience anxiety and depression can feel more emotionally “even” under the influence and because many of their peers drink or use drugs, that behavior is not stigmatized in the way that taking psychiatric medication often is. A 2012 study revealed that individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder are 14 times more likely to use substances as a coping mechanism; and in 2016, the National Institutes of Health found that among the 10,000 adolescents it studied, 2/3 of those who developed alcohol or substance use disorders also had at least one additional mental health issue.
Self-medicating can take the form of binge eating or over-exercising as well. The more uncomfortable you are at the thought of not being able to consume the substance or participate in the activity of your choice, the more likely it is that you are self-medicating. Other indications include: avoiding family, friends and/or social events; one’s mental well-being or mood worsening after using the substance or engaging in the activity; neglecting self-care, including eating and personal grooming; new or unusual financial problems due to the cost of the substance(s); secrecy about how one spends his or her time; and a sudden change in activities/hobbies or companions.
Attempting to self-medicate a mental health issue can lead to numerous additional problems, such as worsening existing or causing new symptoms; interactions with prescribed medication(s) [i.e., side effects or lessened effectiveness, etc.]; a delay in or prevention of seeking help; and making the emotions and moods you are trying to numb become stronger, last longer and occur more frequently. To gauge your behavior, keep a record of your substance use and mood(s) for several weeks. This will help you to identify patterns and triggers. Try to not use the substance or engage in the behavior for several days each week and note how you feel and if there are any changes in your sleeping patterns.
Healthier coping mechanisms range from attending therapy (for example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches ways to manage stress, anxiety and other difficult emotions), prescribed psychiatric medications, support groups, and healthy lifestyle changes to individuals’ activity level, diet and sleep. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly 50 percent of those with a serious mental illness will experience a substance use disorder during their lifetimes. Concerned family members and friends should not drink or use drugs with their loved ones or argue about their substance use when they are impaired. Instead, fill your time together with fun sober activities and hobbies.
Thank you to Jane from L.A. Suboxone who recently E-Mailed suggested topics to add to the website, including this one.