self-medicator
Own-prescription patient
A self-medicator is someone who treats their own symptoms or conditions without professional medical guidance—whether with over-the-counter drugs, alcohol, or other substances.
The term often carries negative connotations, suggesting someone masking deeper problems rather than addressing them: He's been a self-medicator since his divorce, numbing everything with whiskey.
State of needing another
- substance abuseHarmful habitual intoxicant use
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- cravingPowerful urge to have
- opioidMorphine-class analgesic
alcoholism · tolerance · relapse · overdose · intoxication · habituation · stimulant · sedative
Plant-based medicinal preparations
- supplementsExtra nutritional intake
- vitaminsEssential organic nutrients
- homeopathyDiluted-substance alternative medicine
- naturopathyAlternative healing using nature
tinctures · essential oils · probiotics · CBD · kratom · cannabis · mushrooms · kava
Pressure, mental or vocal
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- depressionProlonged low state
- traumaLasting psychological wound
- emotional painPsychological suffering or distress
grief · insomnia · overwhelm · burnout · loneliness · escapism · numbing · avoidance
Medicinal dispensary
- drugstoreRetail pharmacy outlet
- painkillerMedication reducing discomfort
- antihistamineDrug blocking allergic response
- sleep aidSubstance promoting drowsiness
cough syrup · antacid · ibuprofen · acetaminophen · aspirin · decongestant · laxative · melatonin
Lacking protective coverage
- healthcare accessAbility to obtain treatment
- costRequired payment amount
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- distrustAbsence of confidence
embarrassment · denial · privacy · autonomy · internet research · symptom checker · WebMD · online forums
dependence
State of needing another
- substance abuseHarmful habitual intoxicant use
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- cravingPowerful urge to have
opioid · alcoholism · tolerance · relapse · overdose · intoxication · habituation · stimulant · sedative · binge drinking
herbal remedies
Plant-based medicinal preparations
- supplementsExtra nutritional intake
- vitaminsEssential organic nutrients
- homeopathyDiluted-substance alternative medicine
naturopathy · tinctures · essential oils · probiotics · CBD · kratom · cannabis · mushrooms · kava · valerian
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- depressionProlonged low state
- traumaLasting psychological wound
emotional pain · grief · insomnia · overwhelm · burnout · loneliness · escapism · numbing · avoidance · untreated
pharmacy
Medicinal dispensary
- drugstoreRetail pharmacy outlet
- painkillerMedication reducing discomfort
- antihistamineDrug blocking allergic response
sleep aid · cough syrup · antacid · ibuprofen · acetaminophen · aspirin · decongestant · laxative · melatonin · NyQuil
uninsured
Lacking protective coverage
- healthcare accessAbility to obtain treatment
- costRequired payment amount
- stigmaMark of dishonor
distrust · embarrassment · denial · privacy · autonomy · internet research · symptom checker · WebMD · online forums · trial and error