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
