The Self-Medication Theory

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To self-medicate means to choose to take a substance that has not been recommended by a professional. People can self-medicate with a range of things that vary in seriousness- ranging from marijuana to alcohol and heavier drugs. Many people self-medicate when they are under a lot of stress and are seeking a way to cope with these stresses. The self-medication theory states that people use substances or other addictive behaviors to compensate for underlying problems that have not been treated (Hartney). People look for the fastest and most comfortable way to deal with their problems by turning to drugs and alcohol to fix their emotional state; what they fail to realize is that drugs and alcohol are only a momentary escape from their problems.