SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information - View Single Post - Want to do steps but sponsor concerned about medication

drugeffects · 02-07-2007, 07:13 AM

Hi all,

I am in recovery and a member of AA. I haven't had a drink since September 17 2005. I haven't had an illegal drug since 31st Dec 1997. I am currently on prescription Benzos [Clonazepam (Klonopin/Rivotril/Paxam)] and Anti-depressants [SNRI (Effexor)]. I am currently ramping down on my Benzos and will be off them by end of March 2007. I am on a reasonably high dose of ADs.

My problem is that I have been in AA for 1 year and 4 months, and done a lot of study of the big book. I have started doing the steps (I think I know steps 1,2 and 3 quite well) and asked my sponsor to move forward with doing steps 3 and above.
I met with him last night, and he has effectively tied by progression in the steps to me providing details on what is the map/plan (diagnosis/prognosis) for anti-depressants (assuming I get off the benzos). My sponsor has never taken medication and doesn't seem to believe in (mind altering) medication although he states that he suffers from symptoms of anxiety and depression. He has been sober for 5 years. He believes that having a clear mind (free from medication) is a requisite for doing the steps, as the problem (of the alcoholic) is in the mind, and if I am on medication then it's not the real me.

My frustration is that I recently travelled and had a major compulsion to drink, and managed to not pick up through staying close to the fellowship and other members. However, I see the 12 steps as key to my recovery and maintaining my sobriety. I feel that if the steps are postponed (timeframe to be determined) that I am jeopardising my sobriety.

I would appreciate all constructive thoughts on how one should handle this dilemma.

Jamie

02-07-2007, 07:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
drugeffects Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Posts: 4	Want to do steps but sponsor concerned about medication Hi all, I am in recovery and a member of AA. I haven't had a drink since September 17 2005. I haven't had an illegal drug since 31st Dec 1997. I am currently on prescription Benzos [Clonazepam (Klonopin/Rivotril/Paxam)] and Anti-depressants [SNRI (Effexor)]. I am currently ramping down on my Benzos and will be off them by end of March 2007. I am on a reasonably high dose of ADs. My problem is that I have been in AA for 1 year and 4 months, and done a lot of study of the big book. I have started doing the steps (I think I know steps 1,2 and 3 quite well) and asked my sponsor to move forward with doing steps 3 and above. I met with him last night, and he has effectively tied by progression in the steps to me providing details on what is the map/plan (diagnosis/prognosis) for anti-depressants (assuming I get off the benzos). My sponsor has never taken medication and doesn't seem to believe in (mind altering) medication although he states that he suffers from symptoms of anxiety and depression. He has been sober for 5 years. He believes that having a clear mind (free from medication) is a requisite for doing the steps, as the problem (of the alcoholic) is in the mind, and if I am on medication then it's not the real me. My frustration is that I recently travelled and had a major compulsion to drink, and managed to not pick up through staying close to the fellowship and other members. However, I see the 12 steps as key to my recovery and maintaining my sobriety. I feel that if the steps are postponed (timeframe to be determined) that I am jeopardising my sobriety. I would appreciate all constructive thoughts on how one should handle this dilemma. Jamie