SUMMARY:
- Drug sensitivity: Another reason why you should avoid self-medication is sensitivity to certain drugs. A drug that works for your friend might not have the same effect on you. This is why you should get your prescriptions from your doctor.
Self-medication usually makes things worse because an underlying mental illness can be ignored for years, leading to unnecessary suffering and impaired functioning. Abusing drugs and other substances typically leads to problems in health, career and relationships, as well as feelings of guilt, loss of control and even legal troubles.
Part of recovery from chemical dependencies is forgoing self-medication and learning new ways to cope with stress and everyday emotions through healthy outlets such as sports, relaxation techniques and hobbies, among other activities.