Addicted or just a problem?

Hey, thanks for your question!

It's not uncommon for people to use substances on their own initiative to change how they feel. This is often referred to as self-medication and comes in various proportions and forms. Think about having a glass of wine to relax or smoking a joint to relieve pain.

When using substances, it's always important to be aware of the risks. This means being informed about the physical and mental consequences a substance can have, as well as being aware of the long-term risks, such as organ and brain damage, or the potential for addiction. When you consciously choose to take an overdose, you're choosing to accept a significant risk to your health. This suggests that, at that moment, the physical or emotional suffering is so great that you've made a deliberate decision to jeopardize your health to alleviate the suffering.

I'd like to emphasize that this is a cause for concern at all times, and I want to stress that there are alternatives to cope with your suffering. If you reach a point where you see no other way but to resort to a risky remedy, it means you're urgently seeking a working solution and haven't succeeded in finding one yet. However, taking an overdose is only a temporary solution. I would advise you to contact your GP and tell them what you're struggling with and what you're doing to cope. Your GP can provide support and ensure you get the help you deserve! If this feels daunting, it might be valuable to first inform a good friend or family member and ask them to support you in going to the GP.

I wish you all the best!