Why Self-Medication Must Stop..!

Credit By: YOUSUF SHAHEEN

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• 16 Apr 2026

Self-medication is not just a personal choice; it has social consequences

In almost every home in Kashmir, there is a small box, a drawer, or a steel tin that we call the "medicine corner." Strips of painkillers, leftover antibiotics, syrups for cold and cough, tablets for acidity and allergies – all neatly or not-so-neatly stacked. Over time, this corner has become our first stop whenever we fall ill. Before thinking of a doctor, many of us think of that box.

This easy reach for medicines without medical advice is what we call self-medication. On the surface, it appears convenient and even smart: why waste time and money on a consultation when we already "know" what works? But beneath this habit lies a serious and growing danger for our health and for our society.

Convenience Over Caution

The reasons for self-medication in Kashmir are understandable. Government hospitals are crowded, private consultations are expensive, and in many rural or far-flung areas, access to healthcare is limited. Long queues, rushed examinations, and the pressure of daily responsibilities make people feel they have no choice but to “manage on their own.”

Chemists also play a role. Many medicines that should be given only on prescription are easily available over the counter. Add to this the advice of family members, neighbours, or WhatsApp forwards, and we have a perfect recipe for misuse. A pill taken once on a doctor’s advice becomes a “standard cure" in the family for every similar symptom.

When Relief Becomes Risk

What we often forget is that every medicine is a powerful chemical. It can cure, but it can also cause harm when taken in the wrong dose, for the wrong duration, or for the wrong illness.

Some of the risks of self-medication are already showing around us:

Antibiotic resistance

The careless use of antibiotics is perhaps the most alarming problem. Many people start antibiotics for simple coughs, colds, or fevers that are often viral and do not need such strong drugs. Some stop midway as soon as they "feel better." This partial and unnecessary use helps germs become resistant. A time may come when common infections no longer respond to common medicines, and then even a minor infection could become life-threatening.

Masking serious diseases

Painkillers and fever tablets are often taken to “push through” work or routine. But what if that headache is not just from stress, or that stomach pain is not just gas? Regularly suppressing symptoms without diagnosis can delay the discovery of serious conditions like ulcers, kidney disease, heart problems, or even cancer.

Side effects and drug interactions

Many medicines affect the liver, kidneys, stomach, or heart. Some increase blood pressure, some make blood thinner, and some cause drowsiness. When someone is already on treatment for diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, randomly adding more tablets can be dangerous. Without medical supervision, mixing medicines can lead to complications that could have been easily avoided.

Dependence and misuse

Sedatives, sleeping pills, and some painkillers can become habit-forming. What starts as an occasional tablet “just to sleep” can slowly turn into a daily need. This kind of dependence quietly eats away at a person’s physical, mental, and social health.

Cultural Habits We Must Question

In our society, health advice is freely given. A relative will confidently suggest a tablet that “helped me”, a neighbour will share a home remedy, and a chemist will casually offer something "strong" for quick relief. Refusing such advice is sometimes seen as arrogance.

But we need to remember: everybody is different. What suits one person may harm another. A medicine that worked once may not be right the next time. A familiar strip of tablets should not become a license to play with our own health.

There is also a misplaced sense of bravery: many people believe that going to the doctor only for “serious” illness proves they are strong. In reality, seeking timely medical advice is not a weakness; it is wisdom. Ignoring early signs and relying on guesswork is risky, not courageous.

Role of the System – and Our Own Responsibility

It is true that the healthcare system has its shortcomings. We need better primary health centres, more doctors in rural areas, and stricter checks on pharmacies selling prescription drugs without proper slips. Public awareness campaigns about antibiotic resistance and self-medication are urgently needed.

However, we must also acknowledge our own responsibility. No law or rule can protect us if we continue to treat medicines casually. We do not experiment with our car’s engine without training; yet we experiment on the most complex system of all – the human body – with little thought.

A Call for Wiser Choices

Self-medication is not just a personal choice; it has social consequences. When antibiotics fail, when drug-resistant infections spread, when complications increase, the burden falls on families, hospitals, and the entire healthcare system. What seems like a small decision in our living room can contribute to a bigger public health crisis.

Instead of glorifying the habit of “managing on our own,” let us value proper medical advice. Let us teach our children that a doctor’s guidance is not a luxury, but a necessity. Let us turn that medicine box at home from a symbol of careless convenience into one of careful, informed use.

Health is not something to be handled by guesswork. The right medicine, at the wrong time, in the wrong hands, can do more harm than good. It is time we treated medicines with the respect – and caution – they truly deserve.

(The Author is a research scholar)