Pros/Cons: Self-medicating

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I need to take my list out of my wallet and see just what have been my assignments for doing pros/cons. Guess I will be ahead of the game when this part of class rolls around. Not going to pull my lists this morning, for I already have one in mind. Wish I could say I worked on it while I slept last night, yet my mind was pretty numb. This round is the the self-medicating round. So, that would be defined as simply as my taking prescribed medication at a higher dose than directed, mixing medications (prescribed and/or over the counter) at a higher dosage than directed, or any other abuse/misuse of medication. 

Pros of self-medicating
  • Slows and quiets down my mind
  • Calms down anxiety and worry
  • Calms addiction fix "need"
  • Uninterrupted sleep
  • No dreams
  • Numbs emotions
  • Get some "relief" without having to bother anyone else
  • Not outwardly injuring myself
Cons of self-medicating
  • It is scary to do as there are times when you really contemplate taking more than you know will meet your need. 
  • Feeds addictive desires
  • Feeds suicidal thoughts
  • Danger of overdose or death
  • Once in system, unable to make clear choices, drive, function
  • It is only a temporary fix, you still have to face issues when you wake up
  • Is most likely doing some kind of physical harm to my system
  • Might mix wrong meds (on accident or purpose)
  • Wake up groggy and slow moving
  • Sometimes causes hallucinations and paranoia (during and lingering the next day)
  • Feelings of guilt and shame which may be followed up by desires to "punish" self with something physically harmful
  • Results in and reinforces negative and judgmental thoughts of self
  • Reminder that you still have a problem and it does not seem to be under control
  • Eventually you run out of meds or acclimate to dose
  • Withdrawals
Pros of NOT self-medicating
  • Learn healthier ways to deal with emotions and/or situations
  • No damage to body
  • No feeding addictive tendencies
  • Don't lose people's trust in you 
  • Actually can be prescribed medication
  • Shows responsibility
  • Strengthens positive thoughts about self
  • Are able to function safely at all times
  • Reminder that can overcome self-harming desires
Cons of NOT self-medicating
  • Feeling emotions/listening to racing thoughts
  • Having to ask for help
  • Admitting that stronger than think/feel
  • May not sleep
  • May dream
  • May have to work through destructive thoughts 
  • Have to deal with addiction desires

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