Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnderstanding the Self-Medication HypothesisExamplesPrevalenceImpactRisksFuture Implications

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Understanding the Self-Medication Hypothesis

Examples

Prevalence

Impact

Risks

Future Implications

Self-medication involves taking substances, such as drugs, supplements, or home remedies, to address symptoms of a medical or mental health problem without consulting a doctor.  When people are dealing with physical health problems or mental health challenges, sometimes they will engage in something known as self-medicating as a way to cope with the symptoms they are experiencing.

Self-medicating has also been used to explain why some people develop substance use problems. The self-medication theory of addiction suggests that people use substances, such as alcohol and drugs, or the effects of other addictive behaviors, such as eating or gambling, to relieve uncomfortable physical symptoms or emotional states.

The self-medication theory usually refers tosubstance use disorders, but it can also be applied to non-substance orbehavioral addictions.

At a GlanceSelf-medication is common throughout the world and often happens when people cannot access adequate relief for a medical problem or mental health condition. While it can provide some temporary relief from some symptoms, self-medicating tends to create more problems than it solves. Keep reading to learn more about the self-medication hypothesis, examples of this behavior, and some of the potential risks of self-medicating.

At a Glance

Self-medication is common throughout the world and often happens when people cannot access adequate relief for a medical problem or mental health condition. While it can provide some temporary relief from some symptoms, self-medicating tends to create more problems than it solves. Keep reading to learn more about the self-medication hypothesis, examples of this behavior, and some of the potential risks of self-medicating.

The self-medication hypothesis began appearing in medical journals in the 1980s as clinicians noticed that people who were addicted toheroinwere using the drug to cope with different types of underlying distress such as rage andloneliness.

The self-medication theory suggests thatsubstance usedevelops as a way of coping with specific types of emotional pain in the absence of adequate solutions and meaningful social relationships.

The theory goes that, for some conditions, such as chronic pain, prescribed medications may be insufficient or problematic. For example, people may use marijuana as a way to manage their symptoms of chronic pain. This has lead to increased interest and availability of medical marijuana for the treatment of certain conditions.

Effects, Myths, and Risks of Marijuana

Examples of Self-Medicating

Some forms of self-medication that people may engage in include:

It is important to note that while self-medicating is common, there is no clear consensus on a precise definition of the behavior. Drinking, taking drugs, and misusing prescription medications are examples of self-medicating, but so is taking a Tylenol for a headache or trying an herbal remedy like St. John’s wort to cope with mild depression.

Marijuana and ADHD: What the Research Says

How Often Do People Self-Medicate?

Self-medication is a common issue worldwide, with estimates suggesting a prevalence between 11.2% and 93.7%, depending on the population and country.Some of the substances that are most commonly used to self-medicate include:

Over-the-counter medications are also often used to self-medicate, and commonly include:

Researchers note that the Internet has made health information easier to access, which means many people are more likely to seek answers and remedies for health concerns online rather than consulting an expert. While helpful in some cases, this can also increase the risk of dangerous drug interactions and other health problems.

The self-medication hypothesis is also used to explain why mental health conditions often co-occur with substance use disorders. For example, research has shown that between 21.9% and 24.1% of people with people who havemajor depressionor ananxiety disorderself-medicate with alcohol or drugs.

Impact of Self-Medication Theory

The self-medication theory is increasingly popular among people with addictions and professionals who treat them. However, there are some who take a hard line on addictions and believe the self-medication theory is an excuse for irresponsible behavior.

Many in the medical profession find it useful to transition people from substances and behaviors that they are addicted to and are causing the problems to prescription medications that more safely address the underlying problem directly.

Depression, for example, can often be successfully treated with antidepressants and lifestyle modifications such as exercise, potentially freeing the individual from seeking emotional comfort from their mood symptoms in their addiction.

The self-medication theory also helpfully informs the therapeutic process. It can provide a model that unites medical, psychiatric, and addiction professionals with the shared goal of addressing the underlying distress that is fueling the addiction.

Criticisms of the Self-Medication Theory

Some people who have been through the process of becoming abstinent feel that any drug use, including medications, allows people to avoid dealing with psychological issues and reinforcesdenial.

The self-medication theory also reinforces the disease model of addiction. It runs the risk of simplifying the complex issue of addiction, which involves many psychological and social factors, to pure physiology.

Risks of Self-Medicating

Self-medication can come with serious risks depending on the severity and type of substance a person uses to self-medicate.

Self-medicating can create serious problems that pose a risk to an individual’s health and reduce opportunities for effective treatments that can actually improve the underlying problem.

Some of the potential risks of self-medication include:

Self-medication can give people temporary, short-term relief for some symptoms, which is why people do it. However, it generally increases problems over the long term. For example, people may consume alcohol to improve mood orreduce anxiety. However, chronic alcohol use canincrease depressionand the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.

The Future of the Self-Medication Theory

More and more people are going public with their addictions.Addiction and its treatmentare no longer swept under the carpet, and these issues have even become the subject of reality shows, such as “Intervention.” Many celebrities and even politicians have admitted to past drug use.

With greater social change and openness about drug use and addictions, society is becoming more compassionate towards those with addictions.

The drug legalization movement and the medical marijuana movement, both of which have become increasingly mainstream, support the self-medication theory. The theory will likely play an important role in current and future concepts of addiction.

Keep in Mind

Self-medicating a medical or mental health condition can be risky and may increase the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. If you are experiencing symptoms of a health condition and are concerned about your substance use, talk to a doctor or mental health professional. With an appropriate diagnosis, you can get the right treatment for your condition and get help with your substance use.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Khalili M, Wong RJ.Underserved does not mean undeserved: unfurling the HCV care in the safety net.Dig Dis Sci. 2018;63(12):3250-3252. doi:10.1007/978-1-4613-1837-8_7Chautrakarn S, Khumros W, Phutrakool P.Self-medication with over-the-counter medicines among the working age population in metropolitan areas of Thailand.Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:726643. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.726643Paudel S, Aryal B.Exploration of self-medication practice in Pokhara valley of Nepal.BMC Public Health. 2020;20(1):714. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-08860-wBaracaldo-Santamaría D, Trujillo-Moreno MJ, Pérez-Acosta AM, Feliciano-Alfonso JE, Calderon-Ospina CA, Soler F.Definition of self-medication: a scoping review.Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2022;13:20420986221127501. doi:10.1177/20420986221127501Turner S, Mota N, Bolton J, Sareen J.Self-medication with alcohol or drugs for mood and anxiety disorders: A narrative review of the epidemiological literature.Depress Anxiety. 2018;35(9):851-860. doi:10.1002/da.22771Karrouri R, Hammani Z, Benjelloun R, Otheman Y.Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges.World J Clin Cases. 2021;9(31):9350-9367. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350Rathod P, Sharma S, Ukey U, et al.Prevalence, pattern, and reasons for self-medication: A community-based cross-sectional study from Central India.Cureus. 2023;15(1):e33917. doi:10.7759/cureus.33917McHugh RK, Weiss RD.Alcohol use disorder and depressive disorders.Alcohol Res. 2019;40(1):arcr.v40.1.01. doi:10.35946/arcr.v40.1.01

8 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Khalili M, Wong RJ.Underserved does not mean undeserved: unfurling the HCV care in the safety net.Dig Dis Sci. 2018;63(12):3250-3252. doi:10.1007/978-1-4613-1837-8_7Chautrakarn S, Khumros W, Phutrakool P.Self-medication with over-the-counter medicines among the working age population in metropolitan areas of Thailand.Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:726643. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.726643Paudel S, Aryal B.Exploration of self-medication practice in Pokhara valley of Nepal.BMC Public Health. 2020;20(1):714. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-08860-wBaracaldo-Santamaría D, Trujillo-Moreno MJ, Pérez-Acosta AM, Feliciano-Alfonso JE, Calderon-Ospina CA, Soler F.Definition of self-medication: a scoping review.Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2022;13:20420986221127501. doi:10.1177/20420986221127501Turner S, Mota N, Bolton J, Sareen J.Self-medication with alcohol or drugs for mood and anxiety disorders: A narrative review of the epidemiological literature.Depress Anxiety. 2018;35(9):851-860. doi:10.1002/da.22771Karrouri R, Hammani Z, Benjelloun R, Otheman Y.Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges.World J Clin Cases. 2021;9(31):9350-9367. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350Rathod P, Sharma S, Ukey U, et al.Prevalence, pattern, and reasons for self-medication: A community-based cross-sectional study from Central India.Cureus. 2023;15(1):e33917. doi:10.7759/cureus.33917McHugh RK, Weiss RD.Alcohol use disorder and depressive disorders.Alcohol Res. 2019;40(1):arcr.v40.1.01. doi:10.35946/arcr.v40.1.01

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Khalili M, Wong RJ.Underserved does not mean undeserved: unfurling the HCV care in the safety net.Dig Dis Sci. 2018;63(12):3250-3252. doi:10.1007/978-1-4613-1837-8_7Chautrakarn S, Khumros W, Phutrakool P.Self-medication with over-the-counter medicines among the working age population in metropolitan areas of Thailand.Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:726643. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.726643Paudel S, Aryal B.Exploration of self-medication practice in Pokhara valley of Nepal.BMC Public Health. 2020;20(1):714. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-08860-wBaracaldo-Santamaría D, Trujillo-Moreno MJ, Pérez-Acosta AM, Feliciano-Alfonso JE, Calderon-Ospina CA, Soler F.Definition of self-medication: a scoping review.Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2022;13:20420986221127501. doi:10.1177/20420986221127501Turner S, Mota N, Bolton J, Sareen J.Self-medication with alcohol or drugs for mood and anxiety disorders: A narrative review of the epidemiological literature.Depress Anxiety. 2018;35(9):851-860. doi:10.1002/da.22771Karrouri R, Hammani Z, Benjelloun R, Otheman Y.Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges.World J Clin Cases. 2021;9(31):9350-9367. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350Rathod P, Sharma S, Ukey U, et al.Prevalence, pattern, and reasons for self-medication: A community-based cross-sectional study from Central India.Cureus. 2023;15(1):e33917. doi:10.7759/cureus.33917McHugh RK, Weiss RD.Alcohol use disorder and depressive disorders.Alcohol Res. 2019;40(1):arcr.v40.1.01. doi:10.35946/arcr.v40.1.01

Khalili M, Wong RJ.Underserved does not mean undeserved: unfurling the HCV care in the safety net.Dig Dis Sci. 2018;63(12):3250-3252. doi:10.1007/978-1-4613-1837-8_7

Chautrakarn S, Khumros W, Phutrakool P.Self-medication with over-the-counter medicines among the working age population in metropolitan areas of Thailand.Front Pharmacol. 2021;12:726643. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.726643

Paudel S, Aryal B.Exploration of self-medication practice in Pokhara valley of Nepal.BMC Public Health. 2020;20(1):714. doi:10.1186/s12889-020-08860-w

Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Trujillo-Moreno MJ, Pérez-Acosta AM, Feliciano-Alfonso JE, Calderon-Ospina CA, Soler F.Definition of self-medication: a scoping review.Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2022;13:20420986221127501. doi:10.1177/20420986221127501

Turner S, Mota N, Bolton J, Sareen J.Self-medication with alcohol or drugs for mood and anxiety disorders: A narrative review of the epidemiological literature.Depress Anxiety. 2018;35(9):851-860. doi:10.1002/da.22771

Karrouri R, Hammani Z, Benjelloun R, Otheman Y.Major depressive disorder: Validated treatments and future challenges.World J Clin Cases. 2021;9(31):9350-9367. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9350

Rathod P, Sharma S, Ukey U, et al.Prevalence, pattern, and reasons for self-medication: A community-based cross-sectional study from Central India.Cureus. 2023;15(1):e33917. doi:10.7759/cureus.33917

McHugh RK, Weiss RD.Alcohol use disorder and depressive disorders.Alcohol Res. 2019;40(1):arcr.v40.1.01. doi:10.35946/arcr.v40.1.01

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