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Old 01-15-2010, 02:43 PM
  # 16 (permalink)  
AustinJim
Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Austin, Tx
Posts: 20
Well, AA world services has addressed this issue and their bottom line was that no AA member should play doctor. Additionally, the drugs of concern are narcotics and benzodiazepines, not SSRI-type drugs like Cymbalta (which is a NSRI, I think) for anxiety/depression. The nature of drugs like cymbalta is that they only help restore equilibrium in our brains' natural chemicals. Because of this, if there is not an imbalance, and you do not need the medication, then it won't do anything for you. If you notice a positive difference being on the med, then its likely that you need it. Also, the big book hits upon this topic.

"But this does not mean that we disregard human health measures. God has abundantly supplied this world with fine doctors, psychologists, and practitioners of various kinds. Do not hesitated to take your health problems to such persons. Most of them give freely of themselves, that their fellows may enjoy sound minds and bodies. Try to remember that though God has wrought miracles among us, we should never belittle a good doctor or psychiatrist. Their services are often indispensable in treating a newcomer and in following his case afterward." - pg 133, Alcoholics Anonymous

The idea that all medication is bad for the addict in recovery, or that it will "block you off from conscious contact", is not only obsolete but it is dangerous. It's the equivalent of a WW2 veteran telling a modern marine "Oh, you don't need all that body armor. Just get out there and take a bullet!" If anything an untreated psychiatric condition may in fact inhibit conscious contact with your higher power.

Best of look, and way to go for asking for input on this topic. Sounds like you care about your recovery, that's awesome.
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