The Self-medication reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

Self-medication

Self-medication is the use of drugs, often illicit, to treat a perceived or real malady, often of a psychological nature.

Some mental illness sufferers attempt to correct their illnesses by use of mind-altering drugs. While this may provide temporary relief, it often exacerbates the problem in the long run, leading to addiction, dependence, as well as the side effects of long-term use of the drug.

Individuals also, in some cases, attempt self-medication for physical illnesses. For example, it is believed that Kurt Cobain's use of heroin stemmed from a painful stomach condition.

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