The modes of self-medicating are many.
Alcohol is probably the most popular. Socially acceptable, many are probably cracking a tinny, having a night cap or "relaxing" with a wine as I type. It eases the muscles; blurs the mind a little. Often you'll end up throwing up on yourself or being out of control in a way that gives others control.
To the amazing strong women I know who have been attacked by predators while intoxicated- it does make you less able to defend yourself, but you did not make it happen.
Illicit drugs- the uppers and the downers. Those that make you dance and "be happy"- loving everyone, though they will beat you into an emergency ward and rob you while you're at it. The stoners, who like to "get high", gradually more often, until they cannot get out of bed without a having a bucket. Smoking crack, and ending up selling your body to buy it. Herion, destroying your life.
Licit/ prescribed/ over the counter medications- taking too many to make yourself sick as a punishment or attrition. Taking too many to pass out or get high.
Sex- sleeping with people to feel good about yourself, your ability to "pick up", the brief high of an orgasm perhaps. Momentary external validation, followed by the whispers of you being a "slut/ jerk", the partners who dont want to see you again, the risks of diseases.
Cutting, stabbing, slicing, hitting, punching yourself. The physical pain cutting through the pain in your mind like a glorious singing relief... until the high is gone, and for the weeks after you have the bruises, cuts and aches- and the embarrassment, questions and regret that come with it.
Avoiding the real issue is part of it. Even acknowledging the issue at all overwhelms some. For others, the medicative method which was intended to make things a bit easier ends up making them a whole lot harder.
None of it is very effective, because you don't solve anything- only dissolve your liver, brain and self-respect.
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