The road to recovery is usually a bumpy one. The challenges of everyday life can consume a person until they reach their breaking point. For one reason or another, many people find themselves self-medicating to deal with stress, emotional turmoil, or physical pain. These stressful life situations often lead to addiction. It can take months, years, or even decades for an individual to finally find their path to recovery. Although this road is full of challenges, the reward is lasting recovery and the promise of a healthy, balanced future.
Self-medication can be the beginning of addiction, but also what causes delays. While in recovery a person can experience many emotions that can lead to self-medication practices. These factors can include stress, sadness, depression, financial fears, and social fears. This article is here to help you better understand what self-medicating is, why it is dangerous, signs that you or someone you love may be involved in self-medicating, and ways to avoid it.
What is Self-Medicating?
Self-medication has been a part of human history from the beginning of time. Traditionally, self-medication was the primary method people would care for themselves. This is not the type of self-medication referenced here. We are talking about the use of drugs (legal and illegal), alcohol, herbs, or other home remedies to treat oneself. People will self-medicate to deal with unwanted feelings or emotions and also to deal with pain. It is not uncommon to be treated with medicine for mental and physical conditions. The key difference with self-medication is that there is no prescription, expert advice, or oversight of administration and dosage.
Why is Self-Medication Dangerous?
The dangers of self-medication are abundant. It is important to understand the risks of self-medicating to recognize it before it starts. Listed below are several reasons self-medication is considered dangerous, especially for someone in recovery.
- Self-medication can lead to increased addiction.
- Self-medication can cause multiple addictions.
- Self-medication can lead to relapse if you are in recovery.
- Self-medication can interfere with your treatment.
- Self-medication can delay the process of your recovery.
- Self-medication only offers temporary relief of symptoms.
- Self-medication only masks your symptoms and does not address the root cause.
- Self-medication can trigger new symptoms of mental health disorders.
- Self-medication can lead to significant health problems and pose significant risks.
As you can see, self-medicating is nothing to mess around with. There are serious risks to your mental and physical health for a temporary solution to your symptoms.
Signs of Self-Medicating
Recognizing the signs of self-medicating early is important in stopping the problem before it becomes massive. It is not always easy to know when self-medicating is taking place so equipping yourself with a checklist to identify it is helpful. The following signs could mean that you or someone you love is heading down the rocky road of self-medication.
- Isolation
- Secrecy
- Sudden Anger
- Change in social group.
- Change in hobbies or lack of interest in old ones.
- Neglecting the care of oneself (showers, brushing hair, etc.).
- Sudden financial trouble.
- Having trouble at home, school, or work.
It is important to familiarize yourself with these signs. Early detection of a problem will be more likely to prevent it from getting out of control.
Ways to Avoid Self-Medicating in Recovery
Remember the battle it took to get to recovery? It is never an easy journey to get to the road of recovery no matter your story. The recovery journey and a sober future are something worth fighting for. The following tips will help you or your loved one avoid self-medicating.
- Be honest with yourself.
- Ask for help from a friend, family member, or healthcare provider.
- Lean on your support network for help from those who understand your situation.
- Understand your triggers and avoid them.
- Avoid high-risk situations.
- Know the risks of self-medicating. Being educated on the dangers can keep you motivated to live a healthier life.
- Practice self-care activities that promote well-being.
Steering Clear of Self-Medication
Self-medicating during recovery can seem like an easy and harmless way to cope with negative emotions and stress, but it poses dangers to your progress and overall well-being. The key to staying on the road to recovery is recognizing the risks and signs of self-medication early. Catching this problem early makes it easier to take action before it leads to relapse or different issues. By being honest with yourself, seeking support, and avoiding high-risk situations, you can protect your recovery journey and work towards a healthier life. Lasting recovery is achievable, but it requires vigilance and a strong support network. At Diamond Recovery Centers, a drug and alcohol addiction rehab in Salt Lake City, we are committed to helping you realize the life you have worked so hard to reclaim. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
