Rodent feces and remains were found in multiple outbuildings
The tragic news that actress Sophie Nyweide succumbed to what might be a "possible unintentional overdose" is further exacerbated by the fact that she was self-medicating. Her demise highlights the very real dangers of what's also known as do-it-yourself medicine, where people choose to self-diagnose a medical condition and select and use medicines and other substances to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms. But misuse of self-medication can increase your risk of medical complications, or even death. So why does someone choose to self-medicate, and what are the risk factors?
Click through the following gallery and learn more about the reliance some people place on unhealthy coping mechanisms.
The death of actress Sophie Nyweide on April 14, 2025, is so far unexplained, though police are investigating the case as a "possible unintentional overdose."
Nyweide, who was 24, appeared in several films, including Russell Crowe's 'Noah' (2014), Jessica Alba's 'An Invisible Sign' (2010), and Gael García Bernal's 'Mammoth' (2009), and was known to self-medicate. However, no cause of death has so far been announced.
Self-medication is the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms.
Sometimes called do-it-yourself medicine, it's the act or process of medicating oneself, especially without the advice of a physician.
While it's commonplace for many individuals to use readily available medications to treat minor injuries or illnesses, flu for example, or an insect bite, the dangers of self-medicating—especially to deal with stress and treat self-diagnosed mental health issues—far outweigh its benefits.
The substances most widely used in self-medication are over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements, which are used to treat common health issues at home. These don't require a doctor's prescription.
But there are other ways to self-medicate using alcohol and prescription and/or recreational drugs. Many people rely on these substances to cope with life's challenges, manage chronic pain, and treat self-recognized mental health disorders.
But rather than improving one's quality of life, self-medication has the opposite effect. It can actually worsen one's condition and permanently damage the body and mind.
Self-medication is not recommended for several reasons. First of all, individuals can potentially make incorrect assumptions about their ailments and misuse medications that could be harmful to their health.
Secondly, going down this path can also lead to drug abuse and dependence due to the lack of oversight from a physician or healthcare professional.
People often avoid seeking medical care even when they suspect it may be necessary, and self-medication is one way of evading a doctor's appointment.
Another reason someone may choose to self-medicate is because they simply don't have access to proper medical care.
Let's look at the risks of self-medicating more closely. A potentially harmful consequence is that serious illness can go mis- or undiagnosed, putting health in jeopardy.
Mixing medications can cause dangerous drug interactions, especially if mixed with alcohol. The outcome can be fatal.
Certain drugs are highly addictive, and misusing them can lead to dependance. An added risk is incorrect dosage, a mistake that can lead to a fatal overdose.
As well as fostering a dependence on certain substances, self-medicating can also promote a reliance on other unhealthy coping mechanisms. For example, smoking.
Self-medication is often seen as a way to alleviate symptoms of mental distress and stress and anxiety. But mental health conditions can be life-threatening if improperly treated.
The red flags signaling self-medication vary from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms to look out for.
Taking medication more often or in larger doses than prescribed is an obvious sign. And as we've discussed, taking a substance for an extended period of time can ultimately lead to addiction.
Visiting multiple doctors for the same medical concern not only indicates a propensity for self-medication, it can underline a pattern on the part of the patient to hide their condition or even deny it.
Seeking drugs from nonmedical sources is another method of procuring medication. Internet-based pharmacies, for example, often sell unapproved, counterfeit, or otherwise unsafe medicines outside the safeguards followed by licensed pharmacies.
Reaching for drugs or alcohol in order to cope with stress or anxiety is a common indicator that someone is self-medicating.
Sleeping far longer—or far less—than normal can be a sign that someone is self-medicating. Sleep disturbance in substance use disorders is a well documented side effect when things like alcohol and opioids are used to self-medicate sleep problems.
Needing more of the same to the point where you're popping pills or drinking on a daily basis to achieve the desired effects is indicative of a new and potentially destructive level of self-medication.
It's often easy to mask self-medication in social settings. There is a difference between having a drink at a party because you'd enjoy one and needing a drink to get through a social interaction. Typically, social drinking as self-medication is often used to cope with triggering environments like family gatherings.
Prolonged self-medication can cause a raft of problems, not least worsening physical health. For example, alcohol abuse can promote neuropathy when nerve damage leads to pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or more parts of your body.
And while self-medication can appear to keep certain symptoms at bay, doing so invariably exacerbates mood disorders and mental health issues.
There are healthier ways than self-medication to cope with problems and improve how you feel. Self-medication treatment begins with addiction recovery.
A combination of detoxing, clinical support, and psychiatry is used to help patients safely transition to sobriety. It can be a slow process and requires real commitment on the part of those seeking recovery.
Accepting their condition opens a path patients can follow in order to learn more about themselves, their health, and what it was that led them to self-medicate. In turn, they can discover healthier ways to find relief.
Sources: (People) (Variety) (Insight Recovery) (Comprehensive Wellness Centers) (HelpGuide.org) (CDC)
The risks of self-medication
The dangers associated with self-administered medicine and other substances
HEALTH Substance abuse
The tragic news that actress Sophie Nyweide succumbed to what might be a "possible unintentional overdose" is further exacerbated by the fact that she was self-medicating. Her demise highlights the very real dangers of what's also known as do-it-yourself medicine, where people choose to self-diagnose a medical condition and select and use medicines and other substances to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms. But misuse of self-medication can increase your risk of medical complications, or even death. So why does someone choose to self-medicate, and what are the risk factors?
Click through the following gallery and learn more about the reliance some people place on unhealthy coping mechanisms.