Psychotropic Medication and Recovery – Rethinking ‘Clean and Sober

Psychotropic Medication and Recovery – Rethinking ‘Clean and Sober

The debate over whether individuals in recovery can take psychotropic medications while still being considered “clean and sober” is highly contentious. Those against taking medication argue that it introduces substances that can be potentially addictive, contradicting the ethos of being substance-free. They fear that reliance on any substance, even prescribed medication, undermines the principles of total abstinence that many recovery programs advocate. Conversely, others believe that psychotropic medications are useful in treating secondary mental disorders like depression or anxiety states, which often accompany substance use disorders. They argue that if these problems are not solved, which should be done through the necessary medical interventions, the chance of relapse rises. Antipsychotics and antidepressants can help the patient maintain an emotionally stable state and can work as a means to facilitate recovery.

Regarding the medication, it is crucial to point out that clients with a dual diagnosis need psychotropic medication. They can address conditions that, otherwise, may cause the patient to regress or sabotage their treatment. Failure to attend to mental health concerns is also unhealthy because some people’s symptoms will force them back to drugs as a way of coping with their struggles (Ali et al., 2023).

As for medications related to physical ailments, the stigma and controversy seem to diminish significantly; many argue that taking drugs for physical illnesses like diabetes or hypertension does not affect one’s ability to quit alcohol (Stewart et al., 2022). This is an issue that raises some questions about the differences between mental and physical health in the context of recovery.

Notably, a bipolar disorder patient may need to take mood stabilizers for their condition. Without these, extreme mood swings could trigger a relapse of substance use. Likewise, a person with a severe anxiety disorder might require medication to avoid developing panic attacks that might make them turn to alcohol or drugs to calm themselves.

References

Ali, M., Elhassan, M., Ahmed, A. E., Ali, S. A., Baiti, M. A., Alhazmi, A. A., Hussain, A., Majrabi, R. Q., Qasem, N., Hakami, A. A., Rafa Alqaari, Alhasani, R. A., & Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab. (2023). Psychotropic medication adherence and its associated factors among schizophrenia patients: Exploring the consistency of adherence scales. Cureus, 67. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.46118

Stewart, S.-J. F., Moon, Z., & Horne, R. (2022). Medication nonadherence: Health impact, prevalence, correlates and interventions. Psychology & Health, 38(6), 1–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2022.2144923

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DB 6.1

Many individuals who are in self-help groups have adopted the belief that taking psychotropic medication would prevent the person from being “clean and sober” in recovery. Based on the required reading, what are your thoughts on this highly debated topic? What is the argument for those “against taking medication” while in recovery? What is the argument for those in “favor of taking medication” while in recovery and still being considered “clean and sober?” How does this specifically impact individuals with co-occurring disorders? Is there any difference when the person in recovery takes a medication for a physical condition? Please be sure to use clear examples to support your statements.

Psychotropic Medication and Recovery

NOTE: You must make at least 1 substantial posting and 2 substantial replies to this thread. You must participate in the Unit discussion board (making postings/replies) at least 3 days per unit to qualify for full credit and also have at least 1 posting by Wednesday at midnight. You also must use APA style in your posting and replies so please use in-text references and provide a reference to give proper credit to the authors.