Is taking recreational drugs in an attempt to self medicate also a form of self harm?
The problem with the use of recreational drugs is that you could have a reaction to them which could need urgent treatment. When you use drugs as prescribed by a doctor and filled by a pharmacist, you are on the computer system and should you have an adverse reaction, the advice on your medication will be immediate, including in an ambulance and the necessary antidote can be administered in seconds. With the misuse of drugs, you take enormous risks because of the possible side effects. I would probably say that if someone takes them in order to do some harm, such as a suicidal intention, then yes, it is self harm. If you take them with the intention of self-medicating, the risks far outweigh any benefits. Good question.
