How to Quit Self-Medicating With Alcohol or Drugs

What Is Self-Medicating?

Self-medicating refers to the act of using drugs, alcohol or other substances (including prescription medication taken outside of medical guidance) to cope with distress or discomfort. Often, this behavior starts as a way to handle stressors such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma or chronic pain. Instead of consulting with a qualified mental health professional or physician, individuals may try to manage their symptoms on their own.

The term “self-medicating” can also extend to behaviors beyond substance use. Some people may use excessive amounts of caffeine, food, exercise or screen time in an attempt to numb or distract themselves from their problems. However, for the purposes of this article, we are focusing on drugs and alcohol, which pose unique health and addiction risks.

Self-medicating typically offers a temporary sense of relief. For instance, someone experiencing intense anxiety might drink alcohol to calm their nerves, or someone with chronic pain might misuse prescription painkillers to ease the discomfort. Although these behaviors may provide short-term benefits, they can lead to long-term complications, including dependence and addiction.

Why Do People Self-Medicate?

There are several reasons why people turn to substance use when they are in distress:

• Lack of Access or Awareness of Professional Help: Some individuals may not know where or how to find legitimate help. Others might believe their issues are not severe enough to warrant therapy or medical attention.
• Stigma Around Mental Illness: Stigma still surrounds mental health conditions like depression, anxiety and PTSD. People may fear judgment or discrimination if they admit to struggling, prompting them to use substances to manage symptoms on their own.
• Immediate (But Temporary) Relief: Drugs and alcohol can alter brain chemistry in a way that momentarily reduces emotional pain or stress. This can be appealing when someone does not know healthier coping strategies.
• Cultural or Family Norms: In some families or social circles, drinking or using drugs is seen as a normal way to handle problems or celebrate events. Consequently, someone feeling overwhelmed might assume substance use is a typical coping method.
• Unresolved Trauma or Chronic Stress: Prolonged exposure to stressful situations or past traumatic experiences can lead to lingering emotional wounds. Turning to substances might feel like the only way to find relief from flashbacks or constant anxiety.

Regardless of the reason, self-medicating is a temporary solution that often creates more complications in the long run. Recognizing why it happens is the first step toward addressing the problem.

Signs of Self-Medicating

It can be difficult to distinguish between occasional substance use and genuine self-medication. Here are some signs that might indicate someone is using drugs or alcohol to cope with emotional or mental distress:

1. Using Substances in Response to Stress or Emotions: If you find yourself reaching for a drink or taking drugs specifically to handle stress, sadness or anxiety, it may be a sign of self-medicating.
2. Increasing Tolerance: Over time, you might need more and more of the substance to achieve the same feeling of relief or numbness.
3. Isolation or Secretive Behavior: You may hide your substance use from friends or family, feeling ashamed or worried that they will judge you.
4. Feeling Unable To Cope Without Substances: If the idea of facing daily life without your substance of choice causes panic or distress, this could point to a dependence forming.
5. Changes in Mood and Behavior: Irritability, mood swings, or sudden personality changes can be a result of using substances to manage emotional challenges.
6. Neglecting Responsibilities or Relationships: Missing work, withdrawing from loved ones or struggling with basic tasks may indicate that substance use is taking priority over other obligations.

These signs do not exist in a vacuum. Often, they build on one another. Recognizing these patterns early can be crucial in preventing further harm.

Why Self-Medicating Is Dangerous

While self-medicating might seem like a manageable way to cope in the moment, it carries multiple risks that can have lasting consequences:

• Worsening Mental and Physical Health: Substance use can mask symptoms of underlying conditions but does not address the root cause. Over time, depression or anxiety can worsen, and physical health may deteriorate as well.
• Risk of Dependency and Addiction: Relying on drugs or alcohol to cope can gradually lead to physical or psychological dependence. Once dependency sets in, quitting can be extremely challenging without professional help.
• Impaired Judgment and Decision-Making: Substances can cloud a person’s ability to think clearly and make healthy decisions, sometimes resulting in unsafe behaviors or high-risk situations.
• Developing Tolerance and Experiencing Withdrawal: Frequent self-medication can drive you to use larger amounts to achieve the same effect. When you try to stop, withdrawal symptoms—ranging from discomfort to severe medical complications—can occur.
• Potential for Overdose: As tolerance grows, the risk of overdose also increases. This can lead to severe health issues, including brain damage or death.
• Avoiding Professional Treatment: A dangerous cycle forms when self-medication replaces proper treatment. By not seeking professional help, the underlying issue can remain unaddressed, intensifying the overall struggle.

For these reasons, self-medicating is not only risky but potentially life-threatening. Seeking professional intervention can dramatically reduce these risks and offer more sustainable paths to recovery.

Self-Medicating for Mental Health Conditions

Self-medicating is particularly common among individuals with mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and PTSD. The symptoms of these conditions—such as sadness, hopelessness, persistent worry or racing thoughts—can feel overwhelming and unmanageable. Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol might appear to offer relief in a society where quick fixes are often promoted.

• Depression: People with depression may use substances to temporarily lift their mood or numb emotional pain. However, alcohol is a depressant, which can ultimately exacerbate feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines might provide temporary energy but lead to a crash that worsens depressive symptoms.
• Anxiety Disorders: A person suffering from anxiety might turn to alcohol, benzodiazepines or marijuana to calm themselves. While these substances can have sedative effects, they often create a rebound effect of increased anxiety once the substance wears off.
• PTSD and Trauma-Related Disorders: Recurrent flashbacks, nightmares or hypervigilance may drive someone to seek relief by numbing emotional pain. However, self-medication can block the healing process and reinforce avoidance behaviors that worsen PTSD symptoms over time.
• Bipolar Disorder: During depressive phases, a person with bipolar disorder might self-medicate to alleviate despair, while during manic or hypomanic episodes, they may turn to substances to extend or enhance feelings of euphoria. Both scenarios can disrupt mood stability and worsen the disorder’s course.

Professional treatment—whether through therapy, medication or a combination of both—offers more balanced, long-term relief of symptoms without the high risk of addiction or overdose.

How to Stop Self-Medicating

Acknowledging that you have been self-medicating is a courageous step. The next move is to develop healthier strategies and seek help:

• Identify Triggers: Pay attention to what drives you to use substances—stressful events, social situations, emotional states or even certain times of day. Recognizing these patterns can help you avoid or better prepare for them.
• Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Activities such as exercise, meditation, journaling or creative pursuits can help you manage stress and emotion without relying on substances.
• Set Boundaries and Avoid High-Risk Situations: If certain environments or individuals tempt you to self-medicate, it may be necessary to limit your exposure to them, at least until you feel more secure in your coping skills.
• Reach Out for Social Support: Share your struggles with a trusted friend, family member or support group. Opening up about your challenges often relieves some of the burden and provides accountability.
• Consider Professional Help: Therapists, counselors and medical professionals can offer guidance on safe and effective ways to manage mental health conditions or stressors that lead to self-medication.

Stopping self-medication is rarely a quick fix. It can involve trial and error in finding the right mix of support, lifestyle changes and, in some cases, prescribed medication that can help address the underlying issues.

Find Treatment and Stop Self-Medicating Today

Professional treatment is a crucial resource for anyone caught in a cycle of self-medicating. Many options exist, and the best one often depends on your individual history, mental health status and personal preferences:

• Inpatient or Residential Rehab: These programs provide a structured environment where patients can receive 24/7 medical and emotional support. Inpatient rehab can be beneficial for those with severe addictions, co-occurring mental health issues or a history of relapse.
• Outpatient Programs: Outpatient treatment allows individuals to continue living at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions, group counseling or medical appointments. This option can be ideal for those who have strong support systems and fewer risks for relapse.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): For substance use disorders involving opioids or alcohol, medications like buprenorphine, naltrexone or methadone may be prescribed to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. A medical professional can determine if this option is right for you.
• Therapy and Counseling: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and trauma-focused therapies can help you develop healthier coping strategies, address underlying emotional issues and reframe negative thought patterns. Individual, group and family therapy can all play a role in comprehensive recovery.
• Support Groups: Mutual help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer a peer support network that can foster accountability and connection.
• Integrated Mental Health and Addiction Treatment: If you struggle with a co-occurring disorder (like depression or anxiety), seek programs that offer simultaneous treatment for both substance use and mental health conditions.

The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper is an example of a treatment center that can help individuals break the cycle of self-medicating. With a range of programs designed to meet various levels of care, from inpatient treatment to outpatient services, an individualized approach can empower lasting recovery.

It is important to remember that recovery is not a linear journey. There may be setbacks, but each challenge offers a learning opportunity. A strong support system, evidence-based treatment and a willingness to change all contribute to developing healthier, substance-free coping mechanisms.

The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper provides a full continuum of care, from medical detox and inpatient rehab to aftercare. We are here to help you and those you love recover from addiction and begin a healthier, alcohol-free future. Contact us to learn more about alcohol addiction treatment programs that can work well for your needs in recovery.