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What role does self-medication play in addiction? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: What role does self-medication play in addiction?
• 0:05
  SPEAKER_00: Self-medication is the act of taking substances to alleviate physical or psychological pain and the substances taken are not prescribed or the dosage overseen by a medical professional.
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  SPEAKER_00: If we take a tablet for a headache, that's self-medicating.
• 0:26
  SPEAKER_00: And that is the lighter useful side of self-medication or the definition.
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  SPEAKER_00: However, over-the-counter drugs are equal to, in this meaning, to alcohol, illicit drugs and herbal remedies.
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  SPEAKER_00: So there's quite a wide umbrella that describes self-medicating.
• 0:44
  SPEAKER_00: Self-medicating can become a dependency or addiction, where the immediate and initial positive effects of taking the substance are then overshadowed later on by negative financial, emotional and physical impacts of a dependency.
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  SPEAKER_00: So self-medication usually provides instant relief or escape from the problem but never addresses the root cause.
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  SPEAKER_00: It's interesting to note, according to research and an article published in 2018 called Depress Anxiety, that mental health conditions often co-occur with substance use disorders.
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  SPEAKER_00: So between 21.9 and 24.1% of people who have major depression or an anxiety disorder self-medicate with alcohol or drugs.
• 1:37
  SPEAKER_00: There are some important risks to know about self-medication, again the darker side of it.
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  SPEAKER_00: So you can take an incorrect dose because you're not being supported by medical professional, you can take it at the wrong time in the wrong way, you can have an adverse reaction.
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  SPEAKER_00: Maybe experiencing dangerous drug interactions when using more than one substance, overdosing, delaying medical intervention and treatment, developing that dependence or addiction.
• 2:08
  SPEAKER_00: As a result of this, the financial loss as your dependence becomes priority over all else, including your own health, work and family.
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  SPEAKER_00: So it's important early on to admit and notice when it's becoming a problem for you.
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  SPEAKER_00: So if you or someone you know is struggling to manage self-medication, then please look on the NHS website for addiction support or speak to your GP.
• 2:38
  SPEAKER_00: If you or someone you know has overdosed, then please call emergency services immediately.
• 2:44
  SPEAKER_00: If you are struggling but safe in the moment, then please consider calling Samaritans on 116 123 or NHS 111 and press option 2 for triaging, and they will signpost you on or help support you in the moment.
• 3:01
  SPEAKER_00: So I hope this has been useful and please take care of yourselves.
• 3:05
  SPEAKER_00: Thank you.