Signs You May Be Self Medicating and What to Do About It

00:00 What Is Self-Medication
00:58 My Self-Medication Story
01:55 Reasons for Self-Medication
02:29 Types of Self-Medication
03:28 Signs of Self-Medication
05:14 Dangers of Self-Medication
06:13 Awareness and Self-Medication
07:24 Beliefs and Self-Medication
08:30 Alternatives to Self-Medication

In today's busy world, fueled with anxiety and stress, many people seek relief through substances. You might smoke weed after a long day to relax or have a snack to distract yourself from feeling lonely. Maybe you turn to prescription drugs to finally get some "quality sleep," or perhaps stimulants to keep you focused during the day.

Using substances such as alcohol or drugs in this manner - to manage symptoms of mental health, is known as "self-medicating." Maybe you're perfectly aware you have mental health issues, such as being under too much chronic stress, but you're not aware of any healthier ways to cope. 

While self-medicating can undoubtedly offer relief from discomfort in the short term, your struggles will gradually compound and increase in the long term. Whether you use alcohol, drugs, or prescriptions, the habit of self-medicating can lead to addiction and increased mental health problems.