12 Points for People in Recovery who are considering OTC or Rx
1. Chose 3 recovery partners to refuse and/or
monitor & dispense Rx Drugs.
2. Write your living will (Medical Directive) with
explicit instructions on drug
precautions and alternatives.
3. Practice preventative medicine (such as vitamins,
exercise, meditation.....)
4. Understand the FIVE DISEASE PROTOCOLS:
A. TRIVIAL CONDITIONS (minor discomforts)
“Don’t treat passing symptoms with
drugs.”
B. TRAUMATIC ILLNESS and ACCIDENT “Expect
emergency Rx drugs & prepare for
withdrawal.”
C. TRUDGING (chronic) ILLNESS “Consult your
recovery partners when changing
routine or medication.”
D. TROUBLING (mental/emotional) CONDITIONS
“Take time to talk
about life situations before accepting Rx drugs.”
“Never stop
psychotropic drugs without professional supervision.”
E. TRANSITIONAL (fatal) ILLNESS
“Remain flexible.
Accept sufficient pain control for continuous comfort.”
5. Learn the Side- effects of a drug (Ups, Downs or Weirds)
"Almost any OTC or
Rx drug may trigger relapse."
6. Avoid Benzodiazepines (and drug relatives) absolutely;
Take antihistamines only in
emergencies.
7. Take nothing “for Sleep.”
8. Never take a drug “PRN” (as needed), without consulting
your recovery partners.
9. Accept adequate pain medication during trauma or
transition with input of your
recovery partners.
10. Prepare an “Illness Inventory” (Record information
about your condition and gauge
your discomfort level to
aid in diagnosis and healthy decision-making).
11. Get to know an addiction pharmacist and educate one
doctor at a time.
12. Offer to pay your doctor for “Diagnosis only” and your
pharmacist for “Consult
only” visits.
reprinted with the permission of Nan D., from Don’t Risk
Your Recovery.
(Prescription Drugs Can Sabotage Your Sobriety)