Posted by JCB on June 23, 2001, at 22:19:00
In reply to JCB, posted by gilbert on June 23, 2001, at 17:23:21
Gil,
I just wanted to say that I AGREE with you, after hearing your story in previous messages, that taking yourself off of your meds (SSRI & Benzos I think) would not only aggrivate your anxiety & depression, but quite possibly lead you back to drinking/druging in an attempt to self-medicate. I also believe that, in your case, the alcoholism/drug addiction was SECONDARY to your agoraphobia/anxiety/depression. You drank to function, right? This concept will certainly ruffle a few feathers in certain AA circles, BUT, I have to tell you, AA as a whole is becoming more and more liberal and understanding of the complexities of addiction and other co-morbid disorders. Maybe this is unique to my geographic location (Akron, Ohio), but I suspect that it isn't. I recall a client with similar guilt feelings about taking xanax who asked his AA sponser his opinion on the subject. His sponsor told him to take it like MEDICINE and there is nothing to feel guilt about. It does, however, sound to me like the meetings that you attend continue to adhere to very strict AA abstinence principles..."no excuses to use anything!!" This is unfortunate and could possibly be harming people in the long run. I'd suggest attending other meetings and bring up the subject in discussion meetings. I think you might be surprised at how many other people share you're concerns and frustrations on this subject. Good luck!
poster:JCB
thread:1356
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010618/msgs/67621.html