The Theory Of Self-medication In Drug Addiction

Since the dawn of time, people have been looking for medicinal plants, and have had a desire to consume various substances for health reasons or recreational purposes. This may be one of the reasons why so many people use psychoactive drugs today. We will take a closer look at this through the theory of self-medication in drug addiction.

This habit is part of the beliefs and ideas of every age. And it is affected by what is perceived as health and diseases. For example, in the early 20th century , people viewed drug addicts as lazy and abominable beings who did not have enough willpower to control their impulses.

Edward Khantzian, a psychoanalyst who treated drug addicts at Harvard University , began to think about the underlying reasons why certain people use drugs. This led him to formulate the theory of self-medication. This theory claims that the main cause of substance abuse, and addiction, is that the person is unable to handle or tolerate adverse conditions.

For now, substance abuse is a major public health problem worldwide. It has a major impact on society and also has major social, legal and political implications. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly investigate the causes as well as the consequences of abuse and addiction.

What does the theory of self-medication consist of?

While studying his patients, Khantzian discovered that everyone had tried at least three different psychoactive drugs before developing the addiction for which they were being treated. At this point, Khantzian questioned why they chose a specific drug, in favor of others. Through his observations he came to a conclusion. Depending on the underlying psychiatric disorder that each patient suffered from, they chose the drug that relieved their psychopathological symptoms the most.

For example, a shy businessman turned to alcohol to become more outgoing and get more sales. In the same way, the teenager with anger problems ended up using heroin to better control his impulses. They tried many different drugs, until they found the drug that was most effective for them. But, of course, heavy drug use leads to another problem: addiction.

Let’s look at the diagnosis of drug addiction. To determine the diagnosis of substance abuse disorder according to the DSM-V, patients must present two or more of the following criteria over a period of at least 12 months:

• Consumption of large amounts of drugs for longer than expected.
• An insistent desire to regulate or end consumption, plus failed attempts to end consumption.
• To invest large amounts of time in obtaining the drug, consuming it or recovering after using it.

• An intense desire to use or consume the drug.
• Repeated consumption that can lead to them neglecting their professional and work tasks, as well as responsibility for their own health.
• Consumption can continue, despite the repeated problems it may have caused or worsened in their interpersonal relationships.
• To refrain from important social, work and recreation-related activities due to consumption.
• Continuous consumption despite being aware that it can aggravate or create physical or mental problems.
• Tolerance.
• Withdrawals.

Is there evidence to support this theory?

As we explained earlier, according to the theory of self-medication, patients develop disorders as a result of their substance abuse. This happens because they suffer from psychopathological disorders which, directly or indirectly, lead them to consume drugs as a way of treating themselves.

This hypothesis is based on the discovery of opioid receptors in the central nervous system:

• Any substance can have an effect on the central nervous system that involves interactions with specific brain structures.
• The substance itself (for example heroin or cocaine), which repeatedly acts on the mentioned brain structures, triggers a number of changes that cause the person to develop an addiction.

Although this hypothesis was first proposed specifically for opioids and psychostimulants, it also applies to alcohol. There are data both for and against the theory of self-medication. Researchers have found partial evidence in patients with schizophrenia, as well as in patients with personality disorders.

In addition to Khantzian’s theory of self-medication, other hypotheses have also been considered. In fact, this debate is still going on to this day. What is very clear is that every patient is different. Therefore, each patient needs an individual diagnosis and treatment. The fact that this theory is supported by some scientific evidence does not mean that all patients who have a substance abuse disorder have other underlying disorders. It is important to examine other theories and hypotheses in order to build a better and more complete understanding of the topic.

If you or someone you know has problems with drug addiction, there are municipal institutions you can contact for help and information.