Testing the Self-Medication Hypothesis of Substance UseJanuary 2008
Research Summary and Comments
Khantzian's revised self-medication hypothesis of substance use suggests that people use substances to relieve feelings of depression, anxiety, hostility, and anhedonia. To test this hypothesis, researchers assessed the above negative states along with substance use in the past 30 days among 70 people on a methadone maintenance program.
No relationship between negative affect and alcohol or drug use severity was observed.
Comments by Michael Levy, Ph.D.:
Substance use is a complicated and multifaceted issue with many roots. While the self-medication hypothesis may be relevant for some people, it may not be for many others, as indicated in this study. Treatment practitioners must assess each person they work with in an effort to understand the many factors that may play a role in that person's substance use; they should then develop a unique treatment plan that considers those variables.
Reference: Hall DH, Queener JE. Self-medication hypothesis of substance use: testing Khantzian’s Updated Theory.
J Psychoactive Drugs. 2007;39(2):151–158.
Boston University School of Public Health 
