...

Recognizing and Addressing Self-Medicating Behaviors in Addiction Recovery

Self-medication refers to using alcohol, drugs, or other substances as a means of coping with pain, depression, or intense emotions. People who self-medicate often do so without the guidance of a doctor exposing themselves to physical and mental health problems.

While some people turn to self-medication to get relief from the symptoms of mental health disorders or chronic pain, you don’t have to be diagnosed with a medical issue to self-medicate. You may be trying to cope with past trauma or abuse, grief, or any distressing emotions brought about by the pressures of daily life.

Signs of Self-Medicating

To understand whether you’re self-medicating or not, you need to examine why you reach for drugs or alcohol and also realize the impact that this has on your life.

Some of the signs of self-medicating include:

      • Isolating from your friends, family, and activities you previously enjoyed

      • Reaching for alcohol or substances when you feel anxious, stressed or sad

      • Being secretive about how you spend your time

      • Neglecting personal hygiene

      • Undergoing financial issues because of buying drugs or alcohol

      • Irritability, anger, and sudden mood changes

    Dangers of Self-Medicating

    Self-medication is dangerous to your physical, mental and emotional health. Although substance use may provide relief from uncomfortable or intense feelings, this is often short-lived and may exacerbate mental health disorders and symptoms in the long term. Self-medication may result in:

        • An increased risk of dependency and substance addiction

        • Worsening mental health problems

        • An increased risk of harm from drug interactions e.g. taking alcohol along with opioids increases the risk of overdose

        • A delay in seeking out medical advice and professional treatment

      Seeking Help for Self-Medication

      To recover from self-medication, you must first get to the root cause. This is best done at dual-diagnosis treatment programs since they offer integrated treatment to simultaneously treat both substance abuse and mental health disorders. If only one of these is treated, there’s a risk of relapse or worsening symptoms so both have to be dealt with at the same time.

      Once you’ve been assessed, you’ll likely be admitted to an inpatient or residential treatment program. This means you’ll have to live at the rehab facility for the duration of treatment. Your treatment will include sessions with a psychiatrist to work on the underlying cause of self-medication as well as individual, group or family therapy with a counselor.

      Behavioral therapies e.g. cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also be useful in helping you identify what triggers the emotional distress that leads to self-medication and then developing healthy coping skills to deal with them.

      Prioritize Your Health and Recovery

      While self-medicating can provide relief, it eventually leads to more problems down the road. Choose to break free of the vicious cycle caused by mental health issues and substance abuse by reaching out to the Findlay Recovery Center. Located in Ohio, we provide affordable and tailor-made addiction treatment programs for substance abuse. Get in touch with us today to get started on your recovery.

       

      Download this article

      How Depression Impacts Mental Health and Effective Treatment Options

      Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a bad day. It’s a complex mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities. For many, it can feel like a constant battle, draining energy and making even the simplest tasks seem...

      House Bill 2: Addressing the Opioid Crisis Through Legislative Change

      House Bill 2 is a key legislative effort in Ohio to combat the opioid crisis. It focuses on prevention, enhancing treatment access, and fostering community involvement to create meaningful change in addiction recovery. Learn how House Bill 2 aims to improve opioid regulation and support those affected by addiction.

      Living with Bipolar Disorder: Coping Strategies for Mental Health

      Living with bipolar disorder can be a challenging and unpredictable experience. The highs of mania and the lows of depression create an emotional rollercoaster that not only impacts the individual but also their relationships, work, and daily life. However, with...

      Defining ‘Cured’: Understanding Ohio Success Metrics in Rehab

      Discover the complexities of rehab in Ohio, where defining what it means to be “cured” is essential for effective recovery from addiction. Explore success metrics, personalized treatment plans, and the vital role of aftercare and community support in achieving lasting sobriety.

      Relapse Prevention Strategies: Building a Life of Sustainable Sobriety

      Relapse is one of the biggest challenges individuals face on their road to long-term recovery from addiction. While overcoming substance abuse is a monumental step, sustaining sobriety requires ongoing effort, a strong support system, and effective prevention...

      Get In Touch With Us Today

      Pick up the phone, fill out a form or chat with us below to get started on your free consultation and treatment assessment.

      Complete Pre-Assessment

      Once you reach a Findlay Recovery Center treatment coordinator, we will do a simple pre-assessment to make sure we’re a good fit for you.

      Plan Travel & Admit

      Our caring treatment advisors will help plan travel & anything else you need before you enter our drug rehab program in Ohio!

      GETTING HELP FOR ADDICTION HAS NEVER BEEN SO EASY

      Get Help Now

      Call Now Button