Extract:
(our observations in red print)
“Some
alcoholics require medication.
We
recognize that alcoholics are not immune to other diseases. Some of
us have had to cope with depressions that can be suicidal;
schizophrenia that sometimes requires hospitalization; bipolar
disorder, and other mental and biological illnesses. Also among us
are diabetics, epileptics, members with heart trouble, cancer,
allergies, hypertension, and many other serious physical conditions.
Because
of the difficulties that many alcoholics have with drugs, some
[unqualified]
members have taken the position that no one in A.A. should take any
medication. While this position has undoubtedly prevented
relapses for some, it has meant disaster for others [including
death].
A.A.
members and many of their physicians have described situations in
which depressed patients have been told by A.A.s to throw away the
pills, only to have depression return with all its difficulties,
sometimes resulting in suicide. [see Dual Recovery Anonymous – Medication and Recovery]. We have heard, too, from members with other
conditions, including schizophrenia, bi-polar disorder, epilepsy and
others requiring medication, that well-meaning [we
would say stupid or dogma driven viz. cult members]
A.A. friends [?] discourage them from
taking any prescribed medication. Unfortunately, by following a
layperson’s advice, the sufferers find that their conditions can
return with all their previous intensity. On top of that, they feel
guilty because they are convinced that “A.A. is against pills.”
It
becomes clear that just as it is wrong to enable or support any
alcoholic to become readdicted to any drug, it’s equally wrong
to deprive any alcoholic of medication, which can alleviate or
control other disabling physical and/or emotional problems.
Some
A.A. members who have required medication share their experience:”
See
above pamphlet for individual histories.
(our
emphases)
Cheers
The
Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)
To
be continued
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