Posted by Tony P on February 19, 2004, at 19:26:09
In reply to Redirected: AA and meds, posted by Dr. Bob on February 18, 2004, at 17:48:40
> I am sad and angry to hear your story. I too am pretty anti AA after receiving much support for 5 years in. I've heard numerous stories of people directed NOT to take their meds, that the 12 steps would relieve there depression, and then these people ended up committing suicide, something that may very well have been avoided with meds.
> [some detail snipped]>
> There are also those who take meds but won't tell anyone cause of the shame etc, which I fear only perpetuates the stigma of the mentally ill. But that's another situation entirely.
>
> -Dalilah
>
The "official" AA position, if there can be said to be such a thing, is outlined in a pamphlet called something like "AA and medication". Basically, the message is that *some* of us need medication and should not be afraid of it if it is prescribed by a Dr. knowledgeable about addiction (and if we're honest with him about our alcoholism <g>).Even the Big Book says "Upon therapy for the alcoholic himself, we surely have no monopoly.... Neither does A.A. take any particular medical point of view...." [Foreword to Second Edition, pp. xxi & xx in the 4th ed.].
Unfortunately, many if not most AA meetings I have atttended can be very intolerant of mention of ANY drugs - whether addictive or necessary medication, such as antidepressants.
My personal experience is that, yes, abstaining from alcohol and practicing the Steps relieved much of my depression, but after 2 years of sobriety I became convinced that I needed more help with my continuing depression. The quality of my recovery, including becoming more open with my feelings at meetings, has been enhanced by antidepressant therapy.
If I feel the need to mention other drugs or medication at an AA meeting, I leave out details and usually start with something like "I'll only touch briefly on this issue, in keeping with our Primary Purpose, but I find this directly affects my sobriety and risk of relapse." That usually seems to make people more comfortable with what I have to share.
BTW, our sister organization NA has become (at least in my area) much more tolerant of people requiring A/D medication, and they explicitly include alcohol as a problem drug - some alcoholics I know, especially those with some degree of dual addiction, find they are more at home with NA's inclusive approach. I am happy to be a member of both fellowships.
Tony
poster:Tony P
thread:311972
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20040130/msgs/315851.html