self-medicate
verb
self-med·i·cate
ˌself-ˈme-di-ˌkāt 
self-medicated; self-medicating; self-medicates
1
transitive
: to treat (something) by self-medication
people who attempt to self-medicate depression
2
intransitive
: to treat oneself by self-medication
self-medicated with analgesics to control arthritic pain
These courts are a lifeline for veterans, many of whom struggle with post-traumatic stress and brain injury when they return home after serving, often using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate.—
Claire Handscombe
Claire HandscombeExamples of self-medicate in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For those experiencing unexplained upper abdominal pain, doctors recommend seeking medical advice instead of self-medicating with antacids.
—Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Previous studies have found that those with ADHD are prone to being impulsive and may self-medicate with substances like alcohol or other drugs.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 28 Jan. 2025
The facility believed his past behavior stemmed from his attempts to self-medicate his troubles.
—Alex Heigl, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
First, use of addictive substances often begins as a way of self-medicating to manage the unpleasant symptoms of ADHD.
—Alison Escalante, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for self-medicate 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Previous studies have found that those with ADHD are prone to being impulsive and may self-medicate with substances like alcohol or other drugs.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 28 Jan. 2025
The facility believed his past behavior stemmed from his attempts to self-medicate his troubles.
—Alex Heigl, People.com, 23 Jan. 2025
First, use of addictive substances often begins as a way of self-medicating to manage the unpleasant symptoms of ADHD.
—Alison Escalante, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for self-medicate
Dictionary Entries Near self-medicate
Cite this Entry
“Self-medicate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-medicate. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
self-medicate
verb
self-med·i·cate
-ˈmed-ə-ˌkāt
self-medicated; self-medicating
: to treat by self-medication
the patient had attempted to self-medicate depression
: to treat oneself by self-medication
patients with dental pain often self-medicate with analgesics
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share