When someone repeatedly turns to alcohol, drugs, or other non-prescribed substances to cope with intense emotions, negative feelings, physical pain, or mental health distress, they are engaging in self-medication. Self-medication is not the same as healthy self care practices; while self care involves positive strategies to support well-being, self-medication can lead to harmful consequences.

At first, this may feel like a shortcut to relief. But over time, self-medication often sets off a chain reaction of hidden dangers, missed care opportunities, and worsening health. For individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, or both, understanding self-medication can be a key turning point toward true healing.

Definition of Self-Medication

Self-medication refers to the process of using substances in an attempt to relieve symptoms of distress, pain, or disorder without appropriate medical supervision. This can be alcohol, prescription medications not prescribed for you, over the counter medications, prescription drugs, traditional medicine, or even illicit drugs. Self diagnosis often leads to inappropriate or unsafe self-medication.

In research, many definitions of self-medication highlight two elements: obtaining or using a drug (or substance) without the direct oversight of a healthcare professional, and doing so in response to a perceived physical or psychological problem. It is important to consult a health professional or healthcare provider and seek medical guidance before using any medication, as self-medicating can lead to taking an incorrect dose, which increases the risk of dangerous drug interactions and drug interactions that may compromise your health.

What Self-Medication May Look Like

Self-medication can take many forms, and it’s often subtle before it becomes obvious. People often self-medicate to alleviate symptoms of distress or discomfort.

Some real-world examples of how self-medication may show up include:

  • Someone with persistent anxiety or insomnia begins to drink alcohol regularly to “calm down,” gradually ratcheting up their use to nightly.
  • A person with undiagnosed depression uses stimulants (or prescription stimulants without oversight) to “feel normal” or “get going.”
  • A person in chronic pain repeatedly uses leftover prescription opioids, or buys them informally, because the pain isn’t going away (or they’ve developed a physical tolerance).
  • A person with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) uses benzodiazepine pills to numb intrusive memories or emotional pain.
  • An individual uses over-the-counter sleep aids to handle insomnia rather than seeking an assessment. They eventually need to consume more pills per night to be able to fall asleep as easily as they did the first time.
  • Someone with mounting stress at work smokes cannabis (without a prescription) and increases their dose over time to manage daily anxiety.

Often, the self-medicating person may think, “I’m just coping,” “It’s easier than seeing a doctor,” or “It just helps me get through the day.” But self-medication can lead to masking symptoms, delaying proper diagnosis or treatment, and edging toward addiction without realizing it, which may require professional addiction therapy.

A history of stress, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are significant risk factors that increase the likelihood of self-medication. Additionally, a family history of substance use or mental health disorders can also increase the likelihood of self-medication. These behaviors carry potential risks, including the development of substance abuse, as individuals attempt to manage their symptoms without professional guidance.

Potential Dangers of Self-Medication

Although self-medicating may feel like a quick fix for a health condition, it often incurs serious risks. The misuse of substances increases the danger of using them, and inappropriate use (even if the substance was prescribed to them by a doctor) can lead to unpredictable and harmful consequences.

Dangerous drug interactions

When someone uses medications or substances without professional guidance, the risk of drug interaction or unintended synergistic effects rises. Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, further increases the risk of dangerous interactions and adverse effects. For example, combining alcohol with sedatives or mixing stimulants with prescription medications can produce harmful outcomes. The unsupervised nature of self-medication means these interactions may go unnoticed until serious harm occurs.

Not being able to determine symptoms (including addiction)

When you self-medicate, you may reduce or mask signs of a true underlying condition. This could be depression, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain — all conditions that can be addressed more directly with prescription drugs or other focused treatment. That masking delays correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Using a substance may actually mimic or blur withdrawal symptoms, making it harder to recognize when addiction has developed.

Development of substance use disorders

Studies show that self‐medication increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Regularly using addictive substances (even if it’s not for “fun”) also leads to the development of addictive behaviors over time. Once addiction starts, the brain’s reward pathways and regulatory mechanisms shift to accommodate it. This is often how people discover they’ve become addicted to a substance that doesn’t provide pleasant, “drug-like” effects. Their body becomes physically uncomfortable without it, and thus they feel they need the drug to feel normal. The development of addiction without awareness can make recovery from that addiction more complex.

Aggravation of mental health symptoms

Using substances to cope with the symptoms of a mental health disorder may provide temporary relief, but it often worsens the underlying issue over time. For instance, someone using alcohol to relieve anxiety may end up with increased depression, disrupted sleep, or heightened anxiety due to rebound effects. Self-medication can also aggravate the symptoms of conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. Addictive substances can complicate efforts toward living healthfully with a mental health condition.

Delay in getting relevant help

When a person self-medicates, the act of seeking professional help is often delayed. They may not see themselves as needing help or that their regular use of a substance is a problem. That means that the window for early intervention narrows. Conditions that could be resolved quickly with therapy, medication, or integrated care may escalate into chronic states. If the person eventually develops substance abuse, this can complicate recovery efforts later.

Not addressing the actual problem(s) or root causes

When someone self-medicates, they are treating a symptom (for example, “I feel anxious”) rather than the root cause or underlying cause (for example, trauma, unresolved grief, untreated medical pain, or symptoms of a co-occurring disorder). Without addressing root causes, symptoms return when the person doesn’t keep consuming the substances. This often leads to further or extended drug and alcohol abuse.

What if Someone Doesn’t Realize They’re Self-Medicating?

It’s very common for someone to not realize they’re taking certain substances to self medicate a problem. This is especially true if they don’t realize they have a mental health condition or the use of substances in this way is normal to them.

People who self-medicate are also inclined to downplay their use of substances, especially if they believe it will be temporary. They might see drug use as an action “just to get through” or to cope with feelings in a way that isn’t demanding of other people. If they grew up in a culture where people used substances (such as alcohol) during hard times, they may see it as a healthier way to cope than being loud with their emotions.

Helping someone in this situation can be tricky, and the effectiveness will vary by the individual. It can be helpful to offer support in other ways, such as checking in more often or giving them space to vent. It may help to begin with the substance use, expressing worry or concern that their substance use will cause other problems. Even expressing compassion toward the health condition (mental health or otherwise) that the person is trying to self-medicate can help challenge the idea that they “need” addictive substances to cope.

Heal From Addiction at Westlake Village Recovery

Many people fall into periods of self-medication. It’s a very human and understandable reaction to hard times. But it isn’t a healthy way to cope, and it can have very distressing effects on a person’s health long-term. Having alcohol or weed “as a treat” can lead to an unhealthy mindset overall. That’s the opposite of what most people desire to have during difficult times.

If self-medication has become part of your life or the life of someone you care about, there is hope and help available. At Westlake Village Recovery, we specialize in helping individuals recover with the help of evidence-based recovery. Mental health support is available for people who have co-existing mental health conditions in addition to substance abuse.

Our support features treatment that includes:

  • Comprehensive assessment: We begin with a full evaluation, not just of substance use but of the person’s mental health, physical health, trauma history, and lifestyle. We aim to identify root causes rather than just treat superficial symptoms, so the person has a stronger foundation once they leave treatment.
  • Dual-diagnosis and integrated care: We provide care for co-occurring disorders in one integrated setting, avoiding the split care model that often leaves self-medication unaddressed. People at our treatment center learn how to manage their mental health disorder without depending on drug use as an asset.
  • Therapeutic modalities: Our team offers psychotherapy options (individual and group), trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention plans all tailored to your unique journey.
  • Medication-assisted options (when appropriate): For those with addiction or other disorders that require medication, we coordinate safe, monitored pharmacological care alongside other treatment efforts.
  • Lifestyle and wellness support: Because healing from substance abuse involves healing the body, mind, and spirit, our program includes nutrition, exercise, mindfulness practices, and other holistic treatments to promote well-rounded healing.
  • Continuing care and after-care planning: We help you build a sustainable plan for life after treatment that supports your emotional health, coping skills, and relapse prevention.

If you or a loved one is using substances to cope with anxiety, trauma, pain, insomnia, mood swings, or any distress, take the step to reach out. Recovery is possible. Contact Westlake Village Recovery today to learn more.

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What is Self-Medication?

Nov 19, 2025

Drug Addiction

When someone repeatedly turns to alcohol, drugs, or other non-prescribed substances to cope with intense emotions, negative feelings, physical pain, or mental health distress, they are engaging in self-medication. Self-medication is not the same as healthy self care practices; while self care involves positive strategies to support well-being, self-medication can lead to harmful consequences.

At first, this may feel like a shortcut to relief. But over time, self-medication often sets off a chain reaction of hidden dangers, missed care opportunities, and worsening health. For individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, or both, understanding self-medication can be a key turning point toward true healing.

Definition of Self-Medication

Self-medication refers to the process of using substances in an attempt to relieve symptoms of distress, pain, or disorder without appropriate medical supervision. This can be alcohol, prescription medications not prescribed for you, over the counter medications, prescription drugs, traditional medicine, or even illicit drugs. Self diagnosis often leads to inappropriate or unsafe self-medication.

In research, many definitions of self-medication highlight two elements: obtaining or using a drug (or substance) without the direct oversight of a healthcare professional, and doing so in response to a perceived physical or psychological problem. It is important to consult a health professional or healthcare provider and seek medical guidance before using any medication, as self-medicating can lead to taking an incorrect dose, which increases the risk of dangerous drug interactions and drug interactions that may compromise your health.

What Self-Medication May Look Like

Self-medication can take many forms, and it’s often subtle before it becomes obvious. People often self-medicate to alleviate symptoms of distress or discomfort.

Some real-world examples of how self-medication may show up include:

  • Someone with persistent anxiety or insomnia begins to drink alcohol regularly to “calm down,” gradually ratcheting up their use to nightly.
  • A person with undiagnosed depression uses stimulants (or prescription stimulants without oversight) to “feel normal” or “get going.”
  • A person in chronic pain repeatedly uses leftover prescription opioids, or buys them informally, because the pain isn’t going away (or they've developed a physical tolerance).
  • A person with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) uses benzodiazepine pills to numb intrusive memories or emotional pain.
  • An individual uses over-the-counter sleep aids to handle insomnia rather than seeking an assessment. They eventually need to consume more pills per night to be able to fall asleep as easily as they did the first time.
  • Someone with mounting stress at work smokes cannabis (without a prescription) and increases their dose over time to manage daily anxiety.

Often, the self-medicating person may think, “I’m just coping,” “It’s easier than seeing a doctor,” or “It just helps me get through the day.” But self-medication can lead to masking symptoms, delaying proper diagnosis or treatment, and edging toward addiction without realizing it, which may require professional addiction therapy.

A history of stress, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are significant risk factors that increase the likelihood of self-medication. Additionally, a family history of substance use or mental health disorders can also increase the likelihood of self-medication. These behaviors carry potential risks, including the development of substance abuse, as individuals attempt to manage their symptoms without professional guidance.

Potential Dangers of Self-Medication

Although self-medicating may feel like a quick fix for a health condition, it often incurs serious risks. The misuse of substances increases the danger of using them, and inappropriate use (even if the substance was prescribed to them by a doctor) can lead to unpredictable and harmful consequences.

Dangerous drug interactions

When someone uses medications or substances without professional guidance, the risk of drug interaction or unintended synergistic effects rises. Polypharmacy, the use of multiple medications, further increases the risk of dangerous interactions and adverse effects. For example, combining alcohol with sedatives or mixing stimulants with prescription medications can produce harmful outcomes. The unsupervised nature of self-medication means these interactions may go unnoticed until serious harm occurs.

Not being able to determine symptoms (including addiction)

When you self-medicate, you may reduce or mask signs of a true underlying condition. This could be depression, anxiety, trauma, or chronic pain — all conditions that can be addressed more directly with prescription drugs or other focused treatment. That masking delays correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Using a substance may actually mimic or blur withdrawal symptoms, making it harder to recognize when addiction has developed.

Development of substance use disorders

Studies show that self‐medication increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Regularly using addictive substances (even if it's not for "fun") also leads to the development of addictive behaviors over time. Once addiction starts, the brain’s reward pathways and regulatory mechanisms shift to accommodate it. This is often how people discover they’ve become addicted to a substance that doesn’t provide pleasant, “drug-like” effects. Their body becomes physically uncomfortable without it, and thus they feel they need the drug to feel normal. The development of addiction without awareness can make recovery from that addiction more complex.

Aggravation of mental health symptoms

Using substances to cope with the symptoms of a mental health disorder may provide temporary relief, but it often worsens the underlying issue over time. For instance, someone using alcohol to relieve anxiety may end up with increased depression, disrupted sleep, or heightened anxiety due to rebound effects. Self-medication can also aggravate the symptoms of conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety. Addictive substances can complicate efforts toward living healthfully with a mental health condition.

Delay in getting relevant help

When a person self-medicates, the act of seeking professional help is often delayed. They may not see themselves as needing help or that their regular use of a substance is a problem. That means that the window for early intervention narrows. Conditions that could be resolved quickly with therapy, medication, or integrated care may escalate into chronic states. If the person eventually develops substance abuse, this can complicate recovery efforts later.

Not addressing the actual problem(s) or root causes

When someone self-medicates, they are treating a symptom (for example, “I feel anxious”) rather than the root cause or underlying cause (for example, trauma, unresolved grief, untreated medical pain, or symptoms of a co-occurring disorder). Without addressing root causes, symptoms return when the person doesn't keep consuming the substances. This often leads to further or extended drug and alcohol abuse.

What if Someone Doesn't Realize They're Self-Medicating?

It's very common for someone to not realize they're taking certain substances to self medicate a problem. This is especially true if they don't realize they have a mental health condition or the use of substances in this way is normal to them.

People who self-medicate are also inclined to downplay their use of substances, especially if they believe it will be temporary. They might see drug use as an action "just to get through" or to cope with feelings in a way that isn't demanding of other people. If they grew up in a culture where people used substances (such as alcohol) during hard times, they may see it as a healthier way to cope than being loud with their emotions.

Helping someone in this situation can be tricky, and the effectiveness will vary by the individual. It can be helpful to offer support in other ways, such as checking in more often or giving them space to vent. It may help to begin with the substance use, expressing worry or concern that their substance use will cause other problems. Even expressing compassion toward the health condition (mental health or otherwise) that the person is trying to self-medicate can help challenge the idea that they "need" addictive substances to cope.

Heal From Addiction at Westlake Village Recovery

Many people fall into periods of self-medication. It’s a very human and understandable reaction to hard times. But it isn’t a healthy way to cope, and it can have very distressing effects on a person’s health long-term. Having alcohol or weed “as a treat” can lead to an unhealthy mindset overall. That’s the opposite of what most people desire to have during difficult times.

If self-medication has become part of your life or the life of someone you care about, there is hope and help available. At Westlake Village Recovery, we specialize in helping individuals recover with the help of evidence-based recovery. Mental health support is available for people who have co-existing mental health conditions in addition to substance abuse.

Our support features treatment that includes:

  • Comprehensive assessment: We begin with a full evaluation, not just of substance use but of the person's mental health, physical health, trauma history, and lifestyle. We aim to identify root causes rather than just treat superficial symptoms, so the person has a stronger foundation once they leave treatment.
  • Dual-diagnosis and integrated care: We provide care for co-occurring disorders in one integrated setting, avoiding the split care model that often leaves self-medication unaddressed. People at our treatment center learn how to manage their mental health disorder without depending on drug use as an asset.
  • Therapeutic modalities: Our team offers psychotherapy options (individual and group), trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and relapse prevention plans all tailored to your unique journey.
  • Medication-assisted options (when appropriate): For those with addiction or other disorders that require medication, we coordinate safe, monitored pharmacological care alongside other treatment efforts.
  • Lifestyle and wellness support: Because healing from substance abuse involves healing the body, mind, and spirit, our program includes nutrition, exercise, mindfulness practices, and other holistic treatments to promote well-rounded healing.
  • Continuing care and after-care planning: We help you build a sustainable plan for life after treatment that supports your emotional health, coping skills, and relapse prevention.

If you or a loved one is using substances to cope with anxiety, trauma, pain, insomnia, mood swings, or any distress, take the step to reach out. Recovery is possible. Contact Westlake Village Recovery today to learn more.

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