The Role of Drugs in Self-Care

Abstract

This article provides an overview of self-care and explores the role of self-medication within the self-care process. A model of illness behavior is described which includes the various courses of action that consumers may undertake when they experience a symptom or deviation from health. Reasons behind the trend toward self-care are presented along with information on the extent of this phenomenon. Self-medication is described as a response to symptoms which involves the use of nonprescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. It has been estimated that at least seventy-five percent of all illnesses and injuries are initially treated through self-care and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. It is suggested that the re-emergence of these forms of self-reliance is allowing individuals to retrieve some of the control that has been assumed by health-care professionals.