Self-medication: Consequences for physical and mental health
Self-medication: Consequences for physical and mental health
Sep 12, 2024
Self-medication is the use of drugs without a doctor’s prescription or supervision. While it’s common due to easy access to medications and the belief that one can solve health problems independently, this practice carries serious risks.
The situation in Colombia
Recent studies show that about 90% of Colombians have self-medicated at some point. This is largely due to limited access to medical, psychological, and psychiatric care, along with easy access to over-the-counter drugs and lack of awareness of the risks.
Physical consequences
Side effects: Liver or kidney damage from painkillers, severe allergic reactions to misused antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance: Incorrect use strengthens bacteria, making future infections harder to treat.
Overdose & intoxication: Excessive use of tranquilizers, opioids, or heart medications can be fatal.
Dangerous interactions: Mixing drugs without knowledge may harm the cardiovascular, nervous, or digestive systems.
Mental health consequences
Dependence and addiction: Long-term use of anxiolytics or painkillers may lead to dependency.
Masking disorders: Self-medication hides symptoms of anxiety or depression, delaying proper treatment.
Increased anxiety and stress: Misuse worsens symptoms, amplifying psychological distress.
Reduced trust in professionals: Frequent self-medication discourages medical consultations, leading to late diagnoses.
Prevention and alternatives
Seek medical consultation: Essential for persistent symptoms or chronic issues.
Avoid sharing medications: What works for one person can harm another.
Education: Knowing drug risks, interactions, and side effects empowers safer decisions.
Non-drug therapies: Practices like mindfulness or meditation can be effective for mental health.
Key takeaway
Self-medication might seem convenient, but it poses serious long-term risks for both physical and mental health. Consulting professionals ensures accurate treatment, prevents complications, and promotes safer alternatives for well-being.
Self-medication is widespread in Colombia, with nearly 90% of the population reporting having done it. While it may seem practical, it leads to serious risks such as antibiotic resistance, organ damage, overdose, dependency, and the masking of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Experts emphasize prevention through medical consultation, patient education, avoiding the sharing of drugs, and considering non-pharmacological alternatives. Ultimately, self-medication undermines long-term health and reinforces distrust in professional care.
Self-medication is the use of drugs without a doctor’s prescription or supervision. While it’s common due to easy access to medications and the belief that one can solve health problems independently, this practice carries serious risks.
The situation in Colombia
Recent studies show that about 90% of Colombians have self-medicated at some point. This is largely due to limited access to medical, psychological, and psychiatric care, along with easy access to over-the-counter drugs and lack of awareness of the risks.
Physical consequences
Side effects: Liver or kidney damage from painkillers, severe allergic reactions to misused antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance: Incorrect use strengthens bacteria, making future infections harder to treat.
Overdose & intoxication: Excessive use of tranquilizers, opioids, or heart medications can be fatal.
Dangerous interactions: Mixing drugs without knowledge may harm the cardiovascular, nervous, or digestive systems.
Mental health consequences
Dependence and addiction: Long-term use of anxiolytics or painkillers may lead to dependency.
Masking disorders: Self-medication hides symptoms of anxiety or depression, delaying proper treatment.
Increased anxiety and stress: Misuse worsens symptoms, amplifying psychological distress.
Reduced trust in professionals: Frequent self-medication discourages medical consultations, leading to late diagnoses.
Prevention and alternatives
Seek medical consultation: Essential for persistent symptoms or chronic issues.
Avoid sharing medications: What works for one person can harm another.
Education: Knowing drug risks, interactions, and side effects empowers safer decisions.
Non-drug therapies: Practices like mindfulness or meditation can be effective for mental health.
Key takeaway
Self-medication might seem convenient, but it poses serious long-term risks for both physical and mental health. Consulting professionals ensures accurate treatment, prevents complications, and promotes safer alternatives for well-being.
Self-medication is widespread in Colombia, with nearly 90% of the population reporting having done it. While it may seem practical, it leads to serious risks such as antibiotic resistance, organ damage, overdose, dependency, and the masking of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Experts emphasize prevention through medical consultation, patient education, avoiding the sharing of drugs, and considering non-pharmacological alternatives. Ultimately, self-medication undermines long-term health and reinforces distrust in professional care.
Self-medication is the use of drugs without a doctor’s prescription or supervision. While it’s common due to easy access to medications and the belief that one can solve health problems independently, this practice carries serious risks.
The situation in Colombia
Recent studies show that about 90% of Colombians have self-medicated at some point. This is largely due to limited access to medical, psychological, and psychiatric care, along with easy access to over-the-counter drugs and lack of awareness of the risks.
Physical consequences
Side effects: Liver or kidney damage from painkillers, severe allergic reactions to misused antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance: Incorrect use strengthens bacteria, making future infections harder to treat.
Overdose & intoxication: Excessive use of tranquilizers, opioids, or heart medications can be fatal.
Dangerous interactions: Mixing drugs without knowledge may harm the cardiovascular, nervous, or digestive systems.
Mental health consequences
Dependence and addiction: Long-term use of anxiolytics or painkillers may lead to dependency.
Masking disorders: Self-medication hides symptoms of anxiety or depression, delaying proper treatment.
Increased anxiety and stress: Misuse worsens symptoms, amplifying psychological distress.
Reduced trust in professionals: Frequent self-medication discourages medical consultations, leading to late diagnoses.
Prevention and alternatives
Seek medical consultation: Essential for persistent symptoms or chronic issues.
Avoid sharing medications: What works for one person can harm another.
Education: Knowing drug risks, interactions, and side effects empowers safer decisions.
Non-drug therapies: Practices like mindfulness or meditation can be effective for mental health.
Key takeaway
Self-medication might seem convenient, but it poses serious long-term risks for both physical and mental health. Consulting professionals ensures accurate treatment, prevents complications, and promotes safer alternatives for well-being.
Self-medication is widespread in Colombia, with nearly 90% of the population reporting having done it. While it may seem practical, it leads to serious risks such as antibiotic resistance, organ damage, overdose, dependency, and the masking of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Experts emphasize prevention through medical consultation, patient education, avoiding the sharing of drugs, and considering non-pharmacological alternatives. Ultimately, self-medication undermines long-term health and reinforces distrust in professional care.
Self-medication is the use of drugs without a doctor’s prescription or supervision. While it’s common due to easy access to medications and the belief that one can solve health problems independently, this practice carries serious risks.
The situation in Colombia
Recent studies show that about 90% of Colombians have self-medicated at some point. This is largely due to limited access to medical, psychological, and psychiatric care, along with easy access to over-the-counter drugs and lack of awareness of the risks.
Physical consequences
Side effects: Liver or kidney damage from painkillers, severe allergic reactions to misused antibiotics.
Antibiotic resistance: Incorrect use strengthens bacteria, making future infections harder to treat.
Overdose & intoxication: Excessive use of tranquilizers, opioids, or heart medications can be fatal.
Dangerous interactions: Mixing drugs without knowledge may harm the cardiovascular, nervous, or digestive systems.
Mental health consequences
Dependence and addiction: Long-term use of anxiolytics or painkillers may lead to dependency.
Masking disorders: Self-medication hides symptoms of anxiety or depression, delaying proper treatment.
Increased anxiety and stress: Misuse worsens symptoms, amplifying psychological distress.
Reduced trust in professionals: Frequent self-medication discourages medical consultations, leading to late diagnoses.
Prevention and alternatives
Seek medical consultation: Essential for persistent symptoms or chronic issues.
Avoid sharing medications: What works for one person can harm another.
Education: Knowing drug risks, interactions, and side effects empowers safer decisions.
Non-drug therapies: Practices like mindfulness or meditation can be effective for mental health.
Key takeaway
Self-medication might seem convenient, but it poses serious long-term risks for both physical and mental health. Consulting professionals ensures accurate treatment, prevents complications, and promotes safer alternatives for well-being.
Self-medication is widespread in Colombia, with nearly 90% of the population reporting having done it. While it may seem practical, it leads to serious risks such as antibiotic resistance, organ damage, overdose, dependency, and the masking of mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Experts emphasize prevention through medical consultation, patient education, avoiding the sharing of drugs, and considering non-pharmacological alternatives. Ultimately, self-medication undermines long-term health and reinforces distrust in professional care.