Guest post by Adam Cook
Self-medication occurs when a person with a physical or mental illness attempts to treat their symptoms with substance abuse. The best way to avoid self-medication and the resulting addiction is to receive proper treatment, but for many, self-medication seems easier.
Alcohol is one of the most common substances people with mental illness turn to in an attempt to self-medicate, although other substances are used in this manner as well. Unfortunately, the abuse of these substances all too often has more dire consequences. Here are a few of the ways self-medication can lead to suicide.
Lack of Proper Treatment Means Continuing Symptoms
Though self-medication may seem to reduce the symptoms of mental illness, the effect is very temporary. The symptoms will continue, making daily life harder and harder. Untreated or undiagnosed mental illness can very easily lead a person to feel hopeless and depressed about their situation, believing there is no end to their symptoms and no way to make their life happy again.
With treatment, a person is able to learn that their symptoms are manageable and that it is possible to live well despite having a mental illness. This lifts any hopelessness and helps prevent suicidal thoughts.
People with an Addiction are More Likely to Attempt Suicide
Studies have shown that people who are struggling with an addiction are much more likely to attempt suicide than those who do not have an addiction. Alcohol, in particular, has been found to take part in many successful suicide attempts. A high or drunken state lowers inhibitions, making it easier to act on a suicidal thought.
For people who are addicted to a substance, depression may also be part of the risk of suicide. The addiction may feel unbeatable, leading the person to think the only method of escape from their substance is suicide. Then, with the aid of the substance, committing the act becomes easier to contemplate.
Substance Abuse Can Make Symptoms Worse
Not only does self-medication not help, it actually worsens the symptoms of mental illness. Though the symptoms may decrease for the duration of the high, they will come back and are often even worse. When one believes they are treating their illness and feeling better with self-medication, it is understandably frustrating when the symptoms get worse. It begins to feel as though nothing will help, and this sense of desperation can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. The only way to truly treat a mental illness effectively is with the help of a trained professional.
Of course, it is important to note that it is never too late for proper treatment. Even if an addiction has developed and the individual has been consistently self-medicating, the mental illness remains treatable.
Suicide often comes hand in hand with addiction and substance abuse. Unfortunately, self-medication is a very common culprit of addiction. If someone you know is self-medicating to cope with a mental illness, seek help immediately. The longer the substance is abused, the worse the symptoms become, and the more likely it is for the person to experience suicidal thoughts.
Image via Pixabay by jarmoluk
Adam cook is the creator of http://addictionhub.org/.
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2016 Linda Girgis, MD, FAAFP
