I know for me.... I am not taking any narcotics, alcohol or other drugs that are mind altering. I do however have to take blood pressure, diabetes meds and others because of my health. I will always have to take some kind of meds for my health. I dont feel this is using. But if you abuse it, your using.
MikeF here .how ya doin!! I am not an expert on this situation and it seems as if we have 2 stands on this issue,.What the Basic TEXT SAYS about medicationpg. 98-99 5th edition (more will be revealed ,deals with pain issues) ) and something else I read from NAWS website NA has as a whole has no opinion on outside issues including prescribed medications.USE OF PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS AND OTHER MEDICALLY INDICATED DRUGS PRESCRIBED BY A PHYSICIAN AND TAKEN UNDER MEDICAL SUPERVISION IS NOT SEEN AS COMPRIMISING A PERSONS RECOVERY IN NA. I personally have a son recovering from heroin addiction(24 years old) who takes paxil and ssri meds for OCD,manic depression,anxiety issues but does not shoot heroin.anymore.There are a couple schools of thought it looks like,1) would you want to attend a meeting where someone coming off of an anti pschotic med starting weird out 2.its not complete abstinence..Myself I am in the "school of complete abstinence from all mind altering and mood changing drugs..do I think my son needs SSRI'S / i see when he follows doctors orders he seems to function in a better way..When i surrendered in 1984,I stopped using al drugs including tobacco with the exception of caffeine.I never got busted for caffeine use though!!I try to not use any type of medications unless really needed(sinus meds,ibuprofen,etc..This is probally a very debatable area in our program and would be interested to see more input from some of "long timers in program.I will be celebrating 25 years free and clean on december 2nd but have only been back 'active in program for couple years..For me total abstinence had to be the way,I cant use "a little"new medss,benzo's SSri's I dont know??there are also "therapies offered rather than other drugs.thanks for stirring up the nest .keep coming back.hope you are working a program and bottom line"not using!! peace mikef
__________________
Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
Just an add on to my lower ramblings on NAWS(na.org) site runs the whole NA and medication rundown "in times of illness".I will myself read thoroughly and I'll keep comin back.peace mikef (coffee gonna be a mutt to quit though!!!)
__________________
Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
Thanks for the response. Different schools of thought indeed. Some in the rooms say an individual is not living clean and recovering if the individual occassionally or often "nods" at a meeting because of klonopin. I have never taken klonopin or zanex before. I have taken valium, and did not like that effect-in active addiction only. I've heard it shared that many individuals who take anti depressants and other meds for mental illness, through working the steps, are at some point able to stop taking those meds and live life. I'm still a cigarette smoker and know the insanity and self-destruction are the same, am I clean? I no longer drink any alcohol, or take pills or powders that I know to be narcotic or addictive. I've been in the program since 1992, working with a sponsor, with the exception of a short period, steps, meetings, service, sponsees. I'm thinking that this may be an issue that is highly personal, guess that's what I'm trying to determine. I do appreciate your time and your response. Both of you. Thanks!
I find it helpful to keep things in perspective. People in the program should not give out medical advice..... to anyone. There are plenty of people out there who cannot operate/function without medication. Imbalances are not made up. And just because it may be suggested by a sponsor or the group, it doesnt mean its the right thing to do. A doctor should make that call. And wondering if you are clean????? Because you smoke? One of the issues I have with people in the program is that they tend to overanalyze everything and make issues where there are none....... There are alot more important things going on to worry about, ,,, Dont you agree?
I've been reading "In Times of Illness" and "NA groups & Medication".....this question arises from time to time in my head. That benzo's are addictive and that they cause an individual to appear "high". I myself have suffered with anxiety for all my life, my doctor who knows I'm an addict has never prescribed zanax or other of the same type. Can a person who uses this type of medication recover? and work the steps that allow internal change to occur? I'm talking about valium, zanax, klonopin....simple question. Not so simple answers. I am not talking about antidepressants, other mood stabilizers for bi-polar. Another diagnosis is PTSD. I've heard many, many people share "nicoteine" is a drug. Period. And I've heard many people share how they've given up that habit. I still smoke, 17 years clean. I know I'm living clean today, just sometimes it bothers me that I'm not so willing to give that one up.
I need clarification please: benzo's for anxiety other anti anxiety meds anti depressants
Can one be considered clean if currently taking any of the above? What about nicoteine and caffeine?
The way I figured, if I'm going to get into recovery I might as well go for broke and get rid of all toxic subtances in my life, you know dammwell nicotine and caffeine are addictive toxic substances, so them why not quit them too , Oh cause they're not as harmfull, bullshit , people keep telling themselves that cause they don't want to give the shit up period, the real truth of the matter is that your quality of life and health would improve if you were to get rid of these substances too, so stop bullshiting your self and do it.........
I realize the thinking regarding cigarettes, caffeine is based in fear of the unknown. Or a belief that I can't stop either (the lie), they both go together. It's sick and insane, and knowing that isn't enough to stop the behavior. I had the same thoughts regarding drugs and alcohol, I couldn't "live" without those (the lie). Those were the most obvious symptoms and the cause of suffering to myself and others. So in my mind, these aren't so bad...but they must be, because I believe I can't let them go. This sucks.
I realize the thinking regarding cigarettes, caffeine is based in fear of the unknown. Or a belief that I can't stop either (the lie), they both go together. It's sick and insane, and knowing that isn't enough to stop the behavior. I had the same thoughts regarding drugs and alcohol, I couldn't "live" without those (the lie). Those were the most obvious symptoms and the cause of suffering to myself and others. So in my mind, these aren't so bad...but they must be, because I believe I can't let them go. This sucks.
Yes you can, but it will be hard as shit, so strap your self really tight cause the ride's about to star..good luck.
all I know is if we inform our Dr. and take any prescribed meds according to the prescription we are okay. It's when we use at our own will or take someone elses meds we get on shakey ground.... Once again recovery is our own responsibility...
all I know is if we inform our Dr. and take any prescribed meds according to the prescription we are okay. It's when we use at our own will or take someone elses meds we get on shakey ground.... Once again recovery is our own responsibility...
