Originally Posted by
Afraid2Succeed 
Most of the adults you know is anecdotal evidence. There are plenty of mentally ill people who self-medicate with booze or drugs. That does not necessarily mean they are alcoholics or drug addicts, though they may be categorized as such by current definition. If they become 'addicted' then I think there's more concern needed. But if they are getting through tough times with drink or drugs, and they stop abusing after life gets better, then they shouldn't carry the 'alcoholic' or 'drug addict' label forever.
Do you think self medicating with alcohol is an ok thing to be doing?
Getting thru tough times with drinks or drugs doesn't strike me as a very healthy way to deal with mental illness (or anything else for that matter) nor one that is likely to lead to long term mental health. Its another way to deny one's existing problems and develop new ones as I see it. It actually sounds like the typical excuses I read of alcoholics/drug addicts using to explain away their behaviors and choices.