During these unprecedented times, many people have learned to take things one day at a time. With substance abuse at an all-time high, particularly since the start of the pandemic, it is evident people are in search of new ways to cope.

At Next Level Recovery Associates, our goal is to help you pull yourself out of dependency and into a greater sense of self-empowerment. By helping you navigate the emotions and root causes of your tendencies, we can help you overcome the need to use substances.

What Is Self-Medication? 

Self-medicating is the act of using substances to treat specific distressing symptoms or manage stressors without the supervision or consent of a trusted medical professional. These efforts may provide temporary relief from deeper-rooted issues, but these efforts can become unreliable in the long run.

What happens when the substance used to self-medicate becomes unavailable unexpectedly? How can we learn to cope and even thrive without depending on substances to stay afloat? 

Why Is Self-Medication Harmful?

The attempt to self-medicate can create unprecedented challenges down the line. Some of the potential risks of this behavior include:

• Complications from drug interactions

• Improper diagnosis or administration

• Adverse reactions

• Postponing seeking medical care

• Risk of dependency or abuse

With a lack of proper guidance from a healthcare professional, there is a greater risk of misdiagnosis and incorrect administration. Addiction will eventually lead to the uncomfortable symptoms of withdrawal, which has physical and mental effects and often spills into relationships, work, and finances. 

It is also possible for other medications and supplements to cause adverse reactions. It is typical for blood thinners and heart, diabetes, and seizure medications to pose the most risk. Reactions can range from nausea and vomiting to stroke or even death. 

When actively using self-medication as a tool, it is possible to rely on this method consistently enough that it becomes a dependency. When substances are used regularly, it can make you feel as if you've gotten things under control. However, if substances are required to maintain a sense of peace, then it's highly recommended to seek medical support for developing healthier, long-term coping strategies. 

How Can I Stop Self-Medicating? 

At the core of most self-medication practices is an attempt to achieve self-regulation. By working to address underlying stressors and challenges, you can make room for practical stress management techniques for lasting emotional resilience. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no health without mental health. Actively understanding and working on your mental health is key to your recovery progress. 

Some of the ways to actively manage stress and intense emotions Include:

• Breathwork

• Talk therapy

• Self-care practice

• Being responsible and meeting goals

• Alternative therapies, such as movement, nature, energetic therapies, etc.

• Developing and maintaining healthy relationships

You will be able to better determine what feels good to you as you commit to healing. True mental health and emotional stability are rooted in:

• A strong support network and a sense of community

• School and work support via mental health awareness initiatives

• Addressing the root causes of stressors

• Managing stress

By getting involved, staying connected, and honoring what truly makes you feel empowered and fulfilled, it is possible to overcome self-medication.

What Are Some Healthier Alternatives?

Self-medicating often acts as an accessible coping mechanism for dealing with painful or uncomfortable circumstances. In the long term, this practice can spiral into even stronger dependency or pose the risk of major health complications. 

There are many ways you can start to move away from self-medicating tendencies. You can achieve a sense of well-being and productivity without the use of substances. 

Next Level Recovery Associates offers support within our network, and we can connect you with external resources as well. Depending on the severity of your or your loved one's substance use, care with us could start with anything from inpatient treatment to traditional talk therapy. We work to rehabilitate and counsel you through this journey to recovery. 

If you are the loved one of a person experiencing an addiction, our dedicated team of professional and supportive medical experts can facilitate the following:

• Interventions

• Family therapy

• Relational coaching

• Connections with appropriate outside resources

We understand what supports people in recovery and keeps them committed. Based on our client-centered treatment philosophy, we work to incorporate your story and your unique preferences into your recovery plan. 

By centering and actively honoring your perspective, this model can boost your morale and perseverance in recovery. Our mission is to be present with you while providing beneficial resources to inspire and encourage change. 

Self-medicating has become a cornerstone of healthcare, loaded down with societal pressures and unprecedented stress. Particularly since the recent pandemic, there has been a significant increase in substance abuse for many people who are just trying to cope. However, self-medicating can become a gateway to more reckless habits and behaviors that can create more problems down the line. Next Level Recovery Associates works with clients to not only address underlying causes and factors that contribute to self-medication, but there are also a plethora of resources available to solidify healthier coping mechanisms. We are committed to client success, offering Individualized treatment that ensures each person and their loved one's needs and preferences are respected. We offer in-house and outside support to best serve our clients and provide them with well-rounded treatment and care. Contact us today at consult@nextlevelra.com, and one of our team members will respond promptly.