Medication and Recovery by Steven East
An extremely controversial issue in the recovery community is whether prescribed medication is appropriate. Most individuals will agree that medication that does not produce mind altering effects is beneficial to recovering individuals. On the other hand, individuals that take medication that does produce mind altering effects have been subject to criticism and continue to be stigmatized.
Medication and Recovery
If I am in treatment, is it okay to take medications prescribed by my doctor?
I have on several occasions been asked by new members in recovery whether the consumption of certain medications, such as Xanax, Vicodin, Klonopin, Adderall, Temazapam, etc. constitute a relapse or lack of sobriety. My guidance on this issue begins by pointing out the obvious: If these medications have been prescribed their doctor then an educated decision was made to do so. There are many opionated people in the 12-Step community and a wide variety of opinions about whether or not these types of medications are appropriate for a person who struggles with addiction. The fact is that the majority of individuals with these opinions have little or no formal education.
Recovering Addicts and Alcoholics vs. Physicians:
So who knows best? the guy with 10 years of sober time or the doctor who graduated from UCLA medical school? Let’s not forget that a medical degree requires 12-14 years of full time school. So why is their such a mistrust of doctors who treat addicts and alcoholics? The answer is obvious: Before recovery many individuals lied and manipulated doctors into becoming their own personal dealers.
All or Nothing:
Individuals in recovery should be careful before they decide to dismiss valuable tools that can be crucial to their recovery. If you were able to manipulate a job you once held would you forego employment in the future? If your addiction caused you to take advantage of your family should you avoid them? Of course not. Medical professionals should not be avoided and if they advise taking medication it warrants careful consideration.
Steven East is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADAC II). He specializes in Client Centered Therapy. His approach utilizes an eclectic array of positive reinforcement motivational techniques. His methods help guild our patients towards self-actualization. this article represents his opinion about the use of medication during the recovery process.
