Posted by JCB on June 23, 2001, at 21:58:26
In reply to JCB, posted by gilbert on June 23, 2001, at 17:23:21
Wow, Gil, sounds like you've really been through the wringer so to speak. I feel here, again, I'm being misunderstood with respects to benzos. I have no problem with my clients taking them (clients with or without alcohol/drug problems) when it is indicated by a psychiatrist. I also have had quite a few clients, although not a majority, who were strictly benzo addicts and were not using any other substances when they sought treatment. As far as AA being affiliated with counseling agencies, AA is very careful to remain NON-affiliated with any other organization, from its original design. You misunderstood my point with the Prozac example. I never said people would be exempt from negative mood changes if abruptly discontinued (although its mostly the return of a chemical imbalance and not a compensatory response of traditional withdrawal). I was simply saying that people do not take SSRI's to "get high." Many people, however, DO take benzos to get high. I also agree with you that if you have a serious anxiety disorder, benzos would probably not induce this kind of euphoria that others might get who were not suffering from similar anxiety. That makes sense. On a personal note, my main goal in treating chemically dependent clients is to IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE. Learning good coping skills without the use of mood altering drugs is a very basic premise, but NOT an iron clad rule in my book (despite what AA may or may not say on the subject). If a client is leading a more healthy, productive, satisfying life, while taking certain psychatric medications, then I would consider this to be a treatment success. Chemical dependency is a chronic relapsing disease, so occasional relapses are definately not treatment failures. The important thing is to keep trying, keep talking, and stay focused on what you want out of life. I hope this has cleared up any inconsistancies you've perceived in my previous postings. A little plug here for therapists/counselors/psychiatrists. There are good and bad ones in every profession. If you've had bad experiences with some, don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Finding a good therapist is like finding a good pair of shoes. Some of them are going to fit, some are not. For psychotherapy to REALLY work, you need to work with someone who is right for YOU.
Gil, I appreciate your insights, experiences, and wish you well in your continued recovery.
poster:JCB
thread:1356
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010618/msgs/67620.html