What Is Self-Medication?

Self-medicating can play a role in the onset of addiction

Woman with handful of drugs
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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 to substance use disorders, but it can also be applied to non-substance or behavioral addictions.

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.

Understanding the Self-Medication Hypothesis

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

The self-medication theory suggests that substance use develops 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.

Examples of Self-Medicating

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

  • Drinking alcohol to help relax and make social interactions easier
  • Taking illicit drugs like heroin, cocaine, or opioids to manage symptoms of anxiety, stress, or depression
  • Taking cold medicine or anxiety medications to improve sleep
  • Using ADHD medications to improve focus and concentration
  • Smoking or vaping to handle feelings of stress or to improve mood
  • Eating high-sugar or high-fat foods to improve mood
  • Excessive internet or social media use as a way to distract from feelings of sadness or stress

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.

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:

  • Alcohol
  • Cigarettes
  • Prescribed drugs
  • Illicit drugs
  • Marijuana

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

  • Analgesics and antipyretics
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Antihistamines

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 have major depression or an anxiety disorder self-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 theory is compassionate to people with addictions, particularly people who use illicit drugs. It suggests that drug use is often an attempt to change painful internal states that are often not addressed by medical options.

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

However, some argue that the theory may absolve illicit drug users of some of the responsibility for their problems. Another stance taken against the self-medication theory is that by arguing that people with addictions are self-medicating, the theory legitimizes drug use, and medication generally, as a way of solving emotional problems.

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 reinforces denial.

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.

In mild cases, it might represent a bad habit—like spending too much time scrolling through your Instagram feed when you're feeling stressed out by work. It's a distraction that can lead to procrastination, but it's not serious in most cases.

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:

  • Taking an incorrect dose
  • Using a substance incorrectly
  • Having an adverse reaction
  • Contributing to antibiotic resistance
  • Experiencing dangerous drug interactions
  • Overdosing on a substance
  • Delaying medical intervention and treatment
  • Developing a dependence or addiction to a substance
  • Experiencing substance-related symptoms that contribute to a misdiagnosis or incorrect treatment

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 or reduce anxiety. However, chronic alcohol use can increase depression and 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 treatment are 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 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

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By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD
Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada.