taking medication

Self-medication is when an individual uses medications or substances to treat self-diagnosed symptoms or conditions. For example, you might use old pain medication to treat a sprained ankle that you diagnosed yourself. Or, you may turn to alcohol to help you loosen up in social situations. 

While you may be able to self-treat a mild injury or illness such as the common cold, self-medication can become dangerous when you’re attempting to treat a more serious health condition like depression. There are many potential risks, such as an increased risk of drug interactions or the incorrect choice of therapy.

At Wolf Creek Recovery, many of the people who come to us have been self-medicating their symptoms for years. They are now seeing the consequences of this decision. Let’s learn more about self-medication and the importance of dual diagnosis treatment in Arizona. 

What is the Self-Medication Hypothesis?

The traditional definition of self-medication is the taking of medications on one’s own initiative without consulting a doctor. Self-medication isn’t necessarily ‘bad.’ In fact, people practice this to help reduce the overall burden on the healthcare system. And, with information readily available on the internet, people don’t have to go to the doctor for every bump, bruise or stomachache. 

However, there are dangers and risks to self-medication, particularly when it comes to mental health. Mental conditions require appropriate intervention from a trained medical professional. It’s important to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment based on your signs and symptoms. However, not everyone is aware that they’re dealing with a mental health disorder. 

The Dangers of Self-Medication 

Some of the most widely used drugs for self-medication purposes are alcohol, opiates, stimulants and marijuana. These drugs all have their own effects, which can exacerbate the symptoms of the underlying mental health problem.

Here are the risks of self-medication: 

  • Incorrect self diagnosis. If you’re feeling nervous or sad, escaping your problems with drugs or alcohol is not the answer. You need a true diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Risk of addiction. Drugs and alcohol cause changes in the brain that put you at risk for addiction. If you have both an addiction and a mental health problem, you’ll need dual diagnosis treatment in Prescott AZ. 
  • Delay in appropriate care. The longer it takes you to meet with a doctor, the further away you get from the proper treatment. In the meantime, you could be worsening your symptoms and developing a substance use problem.
  • Potential adverse reactions. When you start taking a combination of medications, supplements, drugs and alcohol, you put yourself at risk for potentially fatal drug interactions.
  • Masking several diseases. It might not be one problem causing your issues but several. Some people are surprised to learn that their feelings come from their childhood.

Seek Help from a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center 

Wolf Creek Recovery understands the self-medication hypothesis and how it impacts many of our clients. If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, contact our dual diagnosis treatment center in Arizona today. We can diagnose your mental health conditions and help you break the cycle of self-medication.