It’s no secret that life can get overwhelming very suddenly – but that can be especially true when you’re already suffering from mental health issues.
Sometimes, however, people turn to coping mechanisms that are dangerous – such as self-medicating with illegal drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, what feels like you’re simply “taking the edge off” your condition can actually turn into major problems.
How do you tell when you’re self-medicating?
Self-medicating is very common among people who suffer from mental health conditions. It’s estimated that 41% of people with bipolar disorder engage in self-medication, as do 21% of those with PTSD, 22% of those with anxiety and 23% of those with major depression.
You can generally tell that you’re self-medicating when you:
- Rely on alcohol or drugs to manage your mood
- You rely on alcohol or drugs to avoid thinking about your problems
- You feel terrible unless you are using drugs or alcohol
- You’re keeping your drug use secret
If you’ve noticed that your coping methods are escalating and your life is starting to cycle around your next drink or drug fix, that’s likely to be a sign of self-medication.
How self-medicating can lead to legal problems?
Self-medicating doesn’t just harm your mental and physical health; it can also lead to serious legal consequences. Here’s how:
- Possession charges: If you’re using illegal drugs or misusing prescription medication, you’re risking criminal charges for possession, distribution or even the intent to sell.
- Driving under the influence: Many people self-medicate with alcohol or drugs and end up driving while impaired. This can result in DUIs, accidents and injuries to others, leading to fines, jail time and lawsuits.
- Illegal ways of funding the habit: Self-medicating can become expensive, especially when substance use escalates. This can push people into theft, fraud or other illegal activities to obtain the money for their habit.
- Public disturbances: Intoxication can lead to behavior that attracts police attention, such as public disturbances, fights or erratic behavior.
If you find yourself facing criminal charges over drug or alcohol use, invoke your right to remain silent. Wait until you can talk over your issues with your defense, instead.