Posted by galtin on October 16, 2001, at 6:12:44
In reply to Misuse of Drugs » Elizabeth, posted by Rosa on October 15, 2001, at 8:13:59
> Does this group have any such guidelines concerning what they consider to be misuse of drugs or a slip?
>
> A slip is when after having abstained from alcohol or drugs for a period of time, while in a 12-step program, one goes back out and uses alcohol or drugs.
>
> How do you describe self-medication?
>
> Here are some guidelines concerning the misuse of drugs for alcoholics.
>
> 1. Remember that as a recovering alcoholic your automatic response will be to turn to chemical relief for uncomfortable feelings and to take more than the usual, prescribed amount. Look for nonchemical solutions for the aches and discomforts of everyday living.
>
> 2. Remember that the best safeguard against drug-related relapse is an active participation in a program of recovery.
>
> 3. No member plays doctor.
>
> 4. Be completely honest with yourself and your physician regarding use of medication.
>
> 5. If in doubt, consult a physician with demonstrated experience in the treatment of alcoholism.
>
> 6. Be frank about your alcoholism with any physician or dentist you consult. Such confidence will be respected and is most helpful to the doctor.
>
> 7. Inform the physician at once if you experience side effects from prescribed drugs.
>
> 8. Consider consulting another doctor if a personal physician refuses or fails to recognize the peculiar susceptibility of alcoholics to sedatives, tranquilizers, and stimulants.
>
> I believe that the guidelines for drug addicts is more strict.
>
> ^^^^^
>
> > > What is your policy concerning the misuse of drugs? What do you consider a slip?
> >
> > Can you be clearer as to what your question is? "Policy concerning the misuse of drugs" is awfully broad.
> >
> > -eThe general guidelines for the use/non-use of prescription meds by recovering alcoholics is as follows.
1. Any use of psychoactive substances without a prescription is a relapse.
2. Obtaining and using such substances from a doctor under false pretenses is a relapse.
3.At times alcoholics/drug addicts may need to take pain medication.
4.But some will refuse.
5. Exceeding the prescribed dose of a medication can be considered a relapse, depending on how much, how often, the FDA schedule of the medication,and whose talking.
6. The term "slip" refers to a short-term relapse, several days to a week or two. A relapse usually characterizes a prolonged return to substance/alcohol abuse.
6. Most alcoholics today are "dually" addicted -- "a drug is a drug is a drug,"as the saying goes.
7.Many alcoholics will give potentially addictive medications to a family member or a friend for dispensation and discuss the situation with other recovering alcoholics. Secrecy breeds slips and relapses.
8.A number of recovering alcoholics will disagree with one or more of the above statements, and there is no authoritative tribunal to resolve these differences.
galtin
poster:galtin
thread:12188
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011015/msgs/12590.html