Are You Self Medicating to Deal With Stress?

Dr. Morgan Camp M.D.

IN BRIEF

Self medicating to deal with stress is a common coping mechanism. It may involve using unhealthy substances like alcohol, prescription medications, or even illicit drugs to stop the mental and physical effects of stress. Some people may also use food as a coping mechanism, while others use sexual activity or adrenaline seeking behaviors. Most people do these things a bit in their lives to "blow off some steam," but there is a tipping point when it becomes a problem. Drinking can turn into alcoholism, illicit drug use can turn into an addiction, and other erratic behaviors can cause legal or relationship troubles in your life.
man with empty glasses in front of him

Self medicating to deal with stress is a common coping mechanism. It may involve using unhealthy substances like alcohol, prescription medications, or even illicit drugs to stop the mental and physical effects of stress. Some people may also use food as a coping mechanism, while others use sexual activity or adrenaline seeking behaviors. Most people do these things a bit in their lives to “blow off some steam,” but there is a tipping point when it becomes a problem. Drinking can turn into alcoholism, illicit drug use can turn into an addiction, and other erratic behaviors can cause legal or relationship troubles in your life.

Unhealthy coping habits really only addresses the surface issues and may lead to more stress down the line from physical imbalance, and social and community issues brought on by challenging behavior. How do you know if you are trying to find a stress medication for yourself in unhealthy behaviors?

Signs of Self Medication for Stress

Harmful self medicating doesn’t just happen overnight. It usually develops over time, so there are some signs and symptoms to watch out for:

  • You “need” your coping mechanism when you feel anxious or stressed.
  • You worry about the next time you will be able to access your “stress medication” and make extensive plans for continuous access.
  • Your chosen coping mechanism actually makes you feel worse not better.
  • You can’t or don’t want to do everyday things without self medication.
  • Loved ones express concern about your behavior.

Even if you are experiencing these in your life, there is another way to deal with stress. It’s all natural and doesn’t have addiction as a side effect.

All Natural Over the Counter Stress Medication​

There are many all-natural herbs that can help with stress. These options have been used by indigenous people and in traditional medicinal practices for centuries or even millennia all around the globe. Modern Western medicine is just one option for treatment, and quite frankly, it doesn’t always have the answers. 

Be Serene is an all natural medication for stress and anxiety. We have chosen five amazing herbal remedies for anxiety from across the globe. They are all non-GMO, and either sustainably wildcrafted or farmed. 

Unlike other anti-stress medications, it doesn’t have a mind-numbing sedative effect. It also doesn’t have any serious side effects like addiction. Our natural plant-based supplement doesn’t cause you to need to take a nap in the middle of the day.

By taking this herbal remedy daily, you’ll be filling your body with adaptogens that help your adrenal system react to stress properly, without throwing your entire hormonal system off balance. By lowering your stress and anxiety naturally, you may need to rely less on harmful coping mechanisms.

However, when dealing with a serious problem like addiction, you should consider our supplement as one piece of the puzzle that helps you overcome your stress. You will also want to consult with trusted professionals to achieve holistic success in stopping your harmful self medication attempts.

Products For Stress Control

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Sources

About Dr. Morgan Camp M.D.

Dr. Morgan is an expert in Functional and Integrative Medicine with a Strong Emphasis in stress related illnesses like anxiety and insomnia. In addition to his 20 years of work in Functional Medicine, he has expanded his practice to include work on the deeper aspects of our being that point to the root cause of our illnesses working with Mind Body Wellness, Energy Medicine, and Healing with Consciousness.
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