self-medicate, v.
Brit. /ˌsɛlfˈmɛdɪkeɪt/, U.S. /ˌsɛlfˈmɛdəˌkeɪt/
[‹ self- prefix + medicate v. Compare earlier self-medicating adj., self-medicated adj.]
1. intr. To administer to oneself a drug or (perceived) remedy (sometimes one such as a narcotic, alcohol, etc.) as medication, other than with a prescription or on medical advice. Also trans. (refl.).
| 1958 Reno (Nevada) Evening Gaz. 21 Mar. 9/3 Prescribing for his audience he advised: 1—take care of yourself; 2—don't panic; 3—don't self-medicate. 1976 Drug & Alcohol Dependence 1 30 Narcotics are consumed in an effort to self-medicate against an inherent affective disorder. 1996 Calgary Herald (Nexis) 9 Mar. b3 Teenagers who experience depression may try to self-medicate themselves—with cigarettes. 2001 C. Whitehead John Henry Days i. 77 That sounds like a diagnosis. And if he can self-diagnose, he can self-medicate. |
2. trans. To (attempt to) treat (a disease or disorder) with a self-administered drug or other (perceived) remedy.
| 1964 Newark (Ohio) Advocate & Amer. Tribune 7 Apr. 18/2 This does not mean..that infections by streptococcus..should be neglected or self-medicated with antibiotics. 1989 Family Relations 38 255/1 Addictions, in turn, may become..something..to self-medicate away the pain. 1997 D. Simon & E. Burns Corner 469 For more than a year now, Rita has been mending her own raw arms, self-medicating the wounds with bootleg antibiotics and whatever fresh rags and bandages she could find. |