bezo's and "recovery"

Hey peoples,

      Now the first thing you NEED to understand is that Im not against Benzo treatment per se however I have a girlfriend involved in "Narcotics Anonymous" and she is having a tough time because she has thought that she was clean according to her not using "methampthetamine" but the fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous endorses living completely clean without any narcotics and a Benzo is classified as a narcotic. She uses them for anxiety/panic disorder but then again to be honest Im not sure if theres a legit reason being I dont know if she has tried to use non-narcotics and most therapists reccomend this method for those in "recovery" (12 step program)

               I also have heard recently that the correct use of the drug would be to use them ONLY when needed in other words her script every month should not be taken except when absolutely neccessary and she uses the entire script every month if needed or not.

      Now please dont think I am trying to be a Dr here I got this onformation from Dr's that are more familiar with this than I being I have no real experience with this type of drug AND my only real concern is this girl and the fear that when she finds that they wont consider her "clean" from ALL drugs that it could do her more harm and she will feel she has failed when in fact Im not sure that she has ever gotten the corect information in the first place. This Narcotics Anonymous teaches "abstinence from ALL drugs" and THAT is the "marker" that they use to measure a persons success.

       

      Has anyone ever tried or does anyone have any experience of using Benzo's in Narcotics Anonymous or have you been involved with them and allowed to keep your clean time? <the marker I mentioned>

                   Like I said I have no clue about this but it would seem funny to me that she would need the script everyday myself.

            

               Thanx for your input b4-hand!

Hello Seven Days and welcome.  I am not familiar with the NA program but I believe  the  anti-anxiety drugs (benzodiazepines) and narcotic pain medications are 2 different categories.

If she is abusing the medications she needs help in withdrwing from both and should be under the directic supervision of her PCP.

Perhaps someone else will have some experience iwth NA.  Your friend is lucky to have someone who cares enough to want to learn about the program. You should be able to find the info on the NA program on line.

I took the time to look it up for you...........
"In Narcotics Anonymous, members are encouraged to comply with complete abstinence from all drugs including alcohol. It has been the experience of NA members that complete and continuous abstinence provides the best foundation for recovery and personal growth. NA as a whole has no opinion on outside issues, including prescribed medications. Use of psychiatric medication and other medically indicated drugs prescribed by a physician and taken under medical supervision is not seen as compromising a person’s recovery in NA.
^{Reference: NA}.

Take care
 Kitt

Hi Seven Days,   Welcome to Healing Well, this is a great community with members who are supportive and helpful.  I have not had experience with NA, but I would think that since her benzo is prescribed that it would not count against her.  Especially with the info that Kitt posted, it seems that it's okay.  If she is truly addicted to the benzo then she should be getting help for it.  But remember that those who have true anxiety issues, benzo are needed for a lot of people  in order to get through the day (myself included).  This doesn't mean that we are addicted, it just means that we need that assistance because the anxiety and panic can be very overwhelming - more than you can imagine.  So just keep this in mind.   Your girlfriend is very lucky to have you in her corner and being so willing to be involved in her care.  Keep up the good work!!  Keep posting to let us know how she is doing.   Again, welcome to HW.   Take care, Wen

Was wondering how your GF is making out as well .....
Hoping you post and let us know
Dont be a stranger

LYN