What is the self-medication theory?
The self-medication theory of addiction is based on the idea that people use substances, such as alcohol and drugs, or the effects of other addictive behaviors, such as eating or gambling, not to seek euphoria, but to relieve dysphoria or change an uncomfortable emotional state.
What are the five consequences of self-medication?
Self-medication can lead to drug addiction, allergy, habituation, worsening of ailment, incorrect diagnosis and dosage, or even disability and pre-mature death. This is the reason why people must avoid self-medication at all cost.
What is an example of self-medication?
Alcohol tends to be the most common method of self-medication—as well as the most commonly abused substance—since it’s so widely available. It may be used to self-medicate stress as well as depression and anxiety, even though beer, wine, and liquor are all depressants and will therefore only make symptoms worse.
Why is self-medication wrong?
Potential risks of self-medication practices include: incorrect self-diagnosis, delays in seeking medical advice when needed, infrequent but severe adverse reactions, dangerous drug interactions, incorrect manner of administration, incorrect dosage, incorrect choice of therapy, masking of a severe disease and risk of …
Why is self-medication important?
1.2 Benefits of self-medication Promotes greater privacy and dignity. Encourages patients to be more familiar with their medicines and take greater responsibility. Encourages patients to learn more about their medicines which may improve concordance. Promotes patient centred care and better patient involvement.
What are the causes of self-medication?
The most important reasons for self-medication were perceived self-medication harmless (41%), having history of a disease (35.5%), and availability of medications at home (34%). The most frequent diseases for self-medication were fatigue, weakness, and anxiety (24%), and fever (20%).
What are the reasons for self-medication?
What are the advantages of self-medication?
Good self-medication can also provide benefits such as:
- Saving scarce medical resources from being wasted on minor conditions.
- Lowering the costs of community funded health care programs.
- Reducing absenteeism from work due to minor symptoms.
What causes self-medication?
Rates of self-medication tend to increase with the increase of co-occurring mental health issues. The compounding effects of multiple issues often result in higher rates of substance use. The pain from depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other mental health issues can cause you to seek relief from substances.
What causes people to self-medicate?
People tend to self-medicate for two fundamental reasons: First, substances may seem to make the symptoms of a distressing experience, such as an illness or mental health condition, feel more manageable in the moment, serving as a temporary way for them to cope.
What are the disadvantages of self-medication?
The risks of self-medication include:
- Incorrect self-diagnosis.
- Delays in seeking appropriate medical advice and proper treatment.
- Potential adverse reactions.
- Worsening of the condition the individual is trying to self-treat.
- Dangerous drug interaction.
- Masking of severe diseases.
- Risk of dependence and abuse.
What are the risks of self medication?