self-medicators
DIY treatment seekers
Self-medicators are people who treat their own symptoms or conditions without professional medical guidance.
The term often carries a negative connotation, implying use of alcohol, drugs, or other substances to cope with underlying problems: Many self-medicators are actually dealing with undiagnosed anxiety or depression.
It can also refer neutrally to those who manage minor ailments with over-the-counter remedies.
State of needing another
- alcoholismAddiction to drinking
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- cravingPowerful urge to have
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
relapse · overdose · opioids · narcotics · detoxification · rehabilitation · intervention · compulsion
Buyable without medical authorization
- supplementsExtra nutritional intake
- painkillersDrugs reducing physical discomfort
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
- cannabisPsychoactive hemp plant
stimulants · sedatives · antacids · kratom · CBD · vitamins · aspirin · ibuprofen
Harmful excess intake
- misdiagnosisIncorrect identification of ailment
- side-effectsSecondary, unintended outcomes
- contraindicationsReasons to avoid treatment
- dependencyState of needing support
complications · resistance · misuse · unregulated · contamination
Gaining authority or confidence
- independenceFreedom from external control
- choiceAct of selecting
- agencyPower to act
- controlAuthority to direct
Lacking protective coverage
- affordabilityState of being purchasable
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- convenienceEase of use
- privacyFreedom from observation
distrust · desperation · anxiety · insomnia · depression · trauma · coping · escapism
dependence
State of needing another
- alcoholismAddiction to drinking
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- cravingPowerful urge to have
tolerance · relapse · overdose · opioids · narcotics · detoxification · rehabilitation · intervention · compulsion · habituation
over-the-counter
Buyable without medical authorization
- supplementsExtra nutritional intake
- painkillersDrugs reducing physical discomfort
- alcoholIntoxicating hydroxyl compound
cannabis · stimulants · sedatives · antacids · kratom · CBD · vitamins · aspirin · ibuprofen · antihistamines
overdose
Harmful excess intake
- misdiagnosisIncorrect identification of ailment
- side-effectsSecondary, unintended outcomes
- contraindicationsReasons to avoid treatment
dependency · complications · resistance · misuse · unregulated · contamination
empowerment
Gaining authority or confidence
- independenceFreedom from external control
- choiceAct of selecting
- agencyPower to act
uninsured
Lacking protective coverage
- affordabilityState of being purchasable
- stigmaMark of dishonor
- convenienceEase of use
privacy · distrust · desperation · anxiety · insomnia · depression · trauma · coping · escapism · numbing
self, medication, medicate, medicated, medicating, medicine, medicines, medicinal, medicinally