self-medication

Self-medication refers to the independent use of substances without supervision or prescription by a medical professional. In addition to over-the-counter medications, for example, illegal psychoactive substances or medications purchased on the black market are also used for this purpose. The motivation for consumption is to alleviate existing symptoms or illnesses. Common forms of self-medication include:

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• Cannabis for sleep disorders, benzodiazepines or opioid-based painkillers for anxiety disorders, as these substances have a calming, stress-reducing and sleep-promoting effect.
• Cocaine or amphetamine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) due to their effects, which are comparable to those of ADHD medications (see also "ADHD and addiction")
• Cannabis, opioids (e.g., heroin), cocaine, or psychedelics (such as LSD microdosing) for depression due to their short-term mood-lifting effects. The effectiveness of ketamine, psilocybin, and LSD against depression, alcohol dependence, and anxiety disorders has been researched for several years, and the first substance-assisted therapies are now being offered (under certain conditions).
• Studies are also being conducted on the effects of MDMA on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

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Despite possible short-term relief of symptoms, self-medication can pose significant health risks. The risk of addiction is particularly high with substances such as cocaine or opioids, and existing symptoms of illness can be exacerbated. Whenever possible, therapies involving self-medication should therefore be carried out under medical supervision.

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Sources:

Christiane Eichenberg, Elmar Brähler, Hans-Wolfgang Hoefert (eds.) 2017: Self-treatment and self-medication

Therapies with MDMA and psilocybin at the UPK Private Clinic - UPK Basel

Expert report BAG Doctors Hallus MDMA Liechti_2025.pdf

Ecstasy| MDMA - infodrog - Swiss Coordination and Information Center on Addiction