self-medicate
Treating yourself independently
Self-medicate means to treat one's own symptoms or condition without professional medical guidance, typically by using over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, or other substances.
The term often carries negative connotations, implying that someone is masking underlying problems rather than addressing them properly: He self-medicates his anxiety with alcohol.
It can also refer more neutrally to managing minor ailments with readily available remedies: I just self-medicate with ibuprofen when my back acts up.
Drugs reducing physical discomfort
- ibuprofenAnti-inflammatory pain reliever
- acetaminophenCommon over-the-counter analgesic
- aspirinAcetylsalicylic acid tablet
- antihistaminesDrugs blocking allergic responses
decongestants · antacids · melatonin · laxatives · pharmacy · drugstore · dosage · label
Harmful excess intake
- dangerousApt to cause harm
- side-effectsSecondary, unintended outcomes
- interactionsMutual or reciprocal actions
- toxicityCapacity to cause harm
contraindications · misuse · adverse · unregulated · habit-forming · dependency · complications · hazardous
State of needing another
- substancePhysical material with mass
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- relapseReturn to former illness
craving · habituation · abuse · compulsion · alcoholism · opioids · benzodiazepines · stimulants
Relating to medicinal plants
- supplementsExtra nutritional intake
- vitaminsEssential organic nutrients
- homeopathyDiluted-substance alternative medicine
- remediesTreatments that restore health
naturopathy · holistic · tinctures · folk · probiotics · tea · CBD · cannabis
painkillers
Drugs reducing physical discomfort
- ibuprofenAnti-inflammatory pain reliever
- acetaminophenCommon over-the-counter analgesic
- aspirinAcetylsalicylic acid tablet
antihistamines · decongestants · antacids · melatonin · laxatives · pharmacy · drugstore · dosage · label
overdose
Harmful excess intake
- dangerousApt to cause harm
- side-effectsSecondary, unintended outcomes
- interactionsMutual or reciprocal actions
toxicity · contraindications · misuse · adverse · unregulated · habit-forming · dependency · complications · hazardous · reckless
dependence
State of needing another
- substancePhysical material with mass
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
relapse · craving · habituation · abuse · compulsion · alcoholism · opioids · benzodiazepines · stimulants · sedatives
herbal
Relating to medicinal plants
- supplementsExtra nutritional intake
- vitaminsEssential organic nutrients
- homeopathyDiluted-substance alternative medicine
remedies · naturopathy · holistic · tinctures · folk · probiotics · tea · CBD · cannabis · kratom
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
- depressionProlonged low state
- stressPressure, mental or vocal
- copingManaging under strain
trauma · insomnia · burnout · emotional · melancholy · neurosis · bipolar · overwhelm · panic · grief