Self-medication: consequences for physical and mental health
Sep 12, 2024
Self-medication is the use of drugs without the prescription or supervision of a healthcare professional, a common practice due to the easy access to medications and the belief that health problems can be solved without consulting a doctor. However, this trend can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health.
In Colombia, self-medication is a significant problem. According to recent studies, around 90% of the Colombian population has resorted to self-medication at some point, due to current difficulties in accessing medical appointments, psychological, and psychiatric consultations. The availability of medications without a prescription and the lack of awareness about the associated risks are factors that contribute to this practice.
Physical Consequences
Unexpected side effects: Taking medication without supervision can cause effects such as liver or kidney damage from excessive painkillers, or severe allergic reactions from the misuse of antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance: Inappropriate use of antibiotics, such as not completing treatments or taking incorrect doses, can strengthen bacteria, creating resistance and making future medical treatments more difficult.
Intoxication and overdose: Excessive or incorrect use of medications, especially tranquilizers, opioid painkillers, or heart medicines, can lead to overdoses, which in some cases can be fatal.
Drug interactions: Without proper knowledge, people may combine medications that interact dangerously, affecting the cardiovascular, nervous, or digestive systems.
Mental Health Consequences
Dependence and addiction: Prolonged use of certain medications, such as anxiolytics or painkillers, can lead to physical and psychological dependence, fostering the onset of mental disorders.
Masking other problems: Self-medication may hide symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression, preventing proper treatment and worsening symptoms.
Increased anxiety and stress: Inappropriate medication use may worsen physical symptoms, which in turn can raise anxiety and stress levels.
Distrust in professional medical care: Frequent self-medication may reinforce the idea that consulting a professional is unnecessary, leading to late diagnoses and worsening of both physical and mental conditions.
Prevention and Alternatives
Medical consultation: Seeking medical care for persistent symptoms or health problems is vital. Proper diagnosis and treatment prevent serious complications.
Do not share medications: Drugs that work for one person may be harmful to another; each individual has unique needs and conditions.
Education on medication use: Understanding the risks, benefits, possible interactions, and side effects of drugs helps people make informed decisions about their use.
Alternative therapies: For mental health problems, non-pharmacological options such as meditation or mindfulness can be effective without the need for medication.
Self-medication may seem like a convenient solution, but it carries serious risks for both physical and mental health. It is essential to educate people on the importance of consulting healthcare professionals and to raise awareness of the potential harmful effects of this practice. With proper guidance, not only is effective treatment ensured, but long-term health is also protected, avoiding the dangerous consequences of self-medication.
Self-medication: consequences for physical and mental health
Sep 12, 2024
Self-medication is the use of drugs without the prescription or supervision of a healthcare professional, a common practice due to the easy access to medications and the belief that health problems can be solved without consulting a doctor. However, this trend can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health.
In Colombia, self-medication is a significant problem. According to recent studies, around 90% of the Colombian population has resorted to self-medication at some point, due to current difficulties in accessing medical appointments, psychological, and psychiatric consultations. The availability of medications without a prescription and the lack of awareness about the associated risks are factors that contribute to this practice.
Physical Consequences
Unexpected side effects: Taking medication without supervision can cause effects such as liver or kidney damage from excessive painkillers, or severe allergic reactions from the misuse of antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance: Inappropriate use of antibiotics, such as not completing treatments or taking incorrect doses, can strengthen bacteria, creating resistance and making future medical treatments more difficult.
Intoxication and overdose: Excessive or incorrect use of medications, especially tranquilizers, opioid painkillers, or heart medicines, can lead to overdoses, which in some cases can be fatal.
Drug interactions: Without proper knowledge, people may combine medications that interact dangerously, affecting the cardiovascular, nervous, or digestive systems.
Mental Health Consequences
Dependence and addiction: Prolonged use of certain medications, such as anxiolytics or painkillers, can lead to physical and psychological dependence, fostering the onset of mental disorders.
Masking other problems: Self-medication may hide symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression, preventing proper treatment and worsening symptoms.
Increased anxiety and stress: Inappropriate medication use may worsen physical symptoms, which in turn can raise anxiety and stress levels.
Distrust in professional medical care: Frequent self-medication may reinforce the idea that consulting a professional is unnecessary, leading to late diagnoses and worsening of both physical and mental conditions.
Prevention and Alternatives
Medical consultation: Seeking medical care for persistent symptoms or health problems is vital. Proper diagnosis and treatment prevent serious complications.
Do not share medications: Drugs that work for one person may be harmful to another; each individual has unique needs and conditions.
Education on medication use: Understanding the risks, benefits, possible interactions, and side effects of drugs helps people make informed decisions about their use.
Alternative therapies: For mental health problems, non-pharmacological options such as meditation or mindfulness can be effective without the need for medication.
Self-medication may seem like a convenient solution, but it carries serious risks for both physical and mental health. It is essential to educate people on the importance of consulting healthcare professionals and to raise awareness of the potential harmful effects of this practice. With proper guidance, not only is effective treatment ensured, but long-term health is also protected, avoiding the dangerous consequences of self-medication.