The AA Member – Medications and Other Drugs

The AA (General Service conference approved) booklet: The AA Member – Medications and Other Drugs

Extract: (our observations in red print)

“Introduction

Because this subject involves important medical decisions, a group of physicians who are members of A.A. and two physicians who are friends of A.A. were asked to review this pamphlet.

Some A.A. members must take prescribed medication for serious medical problems. However, it is generally accepted that the misuse of prescription medication and other drugs can threaten the achievement and maintenance of sobriety. It may be possible to minimize the threat of relapse if the following suggestions are heeded:

• No A.A. member should “play doctor”; all medical advice and treatment should come from a qualified physician.

• Active participation in the A.A. program of recovery is a major safeguard against alcoholic relapse. [in our view this should read: 'may be a major safeguard' – AA doesn't suit everybody]

• Be completely honest with your doctor and yourself about the way you take your medicine. Let your doctor know if you skip doses or take more medicine than prescribed.

• Explain to your doctor that you no longer drink alcohol and you are trying a new way of life in recovery.

• Let your doctor know at once if you have a desire to take more medicine or if you have side effects that make you feel worse.

• Be sensitive to warnings about changes in your behaviour when you start a new medication or when your dose is changed.

• If you feel that your doctor does not understand your problems, consider making an appointment with a physician who has experience in the treatment of alcoholism. [the term 'alcoholism' may not be employed by some in the medical profession – 'alcohol abuse' or 'misuse' may be more applicable]

• Give your doctor copies of this pamphlet.

From the earliest days of Alcoholics Anonymous it has been clear that many alcoholics have a tendency to become dependent on drugs other than alcohol. [This implies, of course, that many alcoholics do NOT]. There have been tragic incidents of alcoholics who have struggled to achieve sobriety only to develop a serious problem with a different drug. Time and time again, A.A. members have described frightening and sobriety-threatening episodes that could be related to the misuse of medication or other drugs. [Note the term “could be related” especially' ie. not necessarily]

Experience suggests that while some prescribed medications may be safe for most nonalcoholics when taken according to a doctor’s instructions, it is possible that they may affect the alcoholic in a different way. [This 'experience' is no substitute for an informed medical diagnosis. This guidance is itself running contrary to the general theme of the pamphlet. Such matters are best left to a qualified medical practitioner]. It is often true that these substances create dependence as devastating as dependence on alcohol. It is well known that many sedatives have an action in the body similar to the action of alcohol. When these drugs are used without medical supervision, dependence can readily develop.

Many A.A.s who have taken over-the-counter, nonprescription drugs have discovered the alcoholic’s tendency to misuse [And again many do NOT display such a tendency]. Those A.A.s who have used street drugs, ranging from marijuana to heroin, have discovered the alcoholic’s tendency to become dependent on other drugs [Apart from such activities being illegal again see above]. The list goes on and will lengthen as new drugs are developed. [This is a peculiar assumption. Perhaps as new drugs are developed they may be designed not to produce such ill effects . Again the guidance is straying into areas best left to those properly qualified to make such assessments]

Always consult your doctor if you think medication may be helpful or needed.”

(our emphases)

Comment: We echo the last sentiment: always check with your doctor or consultant. AA 'experience' is quite definitely NOT the first or last word on this subject. Some areas of this pamphlet are clearly poorly thought through.

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

To be continued