Do you ever feel too overwhelmed with life’s challenges that you need something to help you feel better? What you could be seeking is a comforting hug from someone or just anyone to talk to. You want your problems to eventually fade away with your feelings validated.
Unfortunately, there are a number of people who choose the self-medicating route to feel better quickly. Self-medicating is when you use substances like drugs or alcohol to improve your mood. You may be feeling in control knowing these substances are achieving the desired effects. However, relying on these substances will only make your problems worse.
By understanding why self-medicating is a sign of something wrong, you will be open to discovering healthier coping methods.
Why People Self-Medicate
There are some challenges and obstacles that feel impossible to tackle that you want a quick fix. If the feelings of anger, sadness, and stress are taking over your day, you could be battling a mental illness. The big stigma says that seeing a therapist means there is something wrong with you. But just like you cannot ignore the pain from a physical injury, you cannot ignore your mental health symptoms either.
If you have suffered trauma in the past, you feel self-medicating will make these memories go away. Other reasons can be to help you face a stressful situation or need to focus for the day. You believe drugs and alcohol will help you improve your performance for the day. Methods of self-medicating may include-
Alcohol for stress and anxiety
Prescription drugs for relaxation, numbness, be energized or focused
Food for anxiety or depression
Cigarettes or other tobacco products for focus
Recreational drugs to manage anything uncomfortable
Once you know why you self-medicate, you will realize you have problems you cannot ignore.
The Harm in Self-Medicating
While you may believe that self-medicating is solving your problems, it is actually making them worse. The anxiety and depression symptoms you had before can enhance your symptoms. For example, alcohol is a depressant which will make you make anxious and depressed. Marijuana and meth can trigger psychosis.
Alcohol or drugs can make prescription medications stop working or cause unfortunate side effects. Drugs and alcohol also lead to addiction. If you feel like you cannot stop, this can lessen your chances of seeking treatment. You will feel like you are managing fine on your own without realizing the harm done.
How to Cope Without Self-Medicating
The first thing you need to do is be honest with yourself about your substance use. Admit to yourself and others how much of your time and money is spent abusing drugs or alcohol.
The next thing to do is to see your self-medication for what it is. Challenge the beliefs you hold about how self-medicating is helping you when it is actually making things harder for you. For instance, while drinking alcohol may help you sleep faster, think about what else it is doing to you. You may probably be taking more trips to the bathroom, have sleep disruption and even have problems breathing. If you feel you have to continue to keep drinking to sleep, then your sleep issues are not going away.
No matter what problems come your way, there are always healthier ways you can do something about it. Whenever you feel overwhelmed with life’s worries, reach out to someone you love and trust. You can also find opportunities to exercise to release those feel-good endorphins. Try to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day and night. Incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet with less junk food to ensure your meals are well-balanced. If you are troubled by stressful thoughts, practice a relaxation technique like yoga or meditation.
If you would like to learn about healthier ways to cope with stress and depression, please schedule your first appointment today.
