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[TygrBright]

7. Doctors who "want to help" can sometimes be part of the problem.

Even doctors who are well-intentioned and somewhat familiar with addiction and recovery have one big thing working against them, which is their expectation (as doctors) that they are all about "fixing" problems.

You're doing something that works for you. It keeps you from drinking, which is your goal. If YOU are okay with how it's working for you, if having that goal met is what you want, why offer "better options"?

If/when you feel a need for something more than not drinking, if/when you experience side effects or feel like the medication is no longer working for you, if/when YOU feel like trying something else, then YOU will find something else that works for you. You know what's available, you know what works for you.

And you also know how/where to ask for help exploring other options if/when you feel that's appropriate for you.

And that's really all you need.

Doctors very often fail to grasp the principle that you can't "help" a person recover based on your own ideas of recovery. Then some of them get offended and blame "the patient" for rejecting their help.

Maybe doctors should study Alanon... There's a suggestion! Next time you run across a doc pushing recovery fellowship on you, tell 'em you'll give it a try after the doc him/herself has a year of solid Alanon under their belt.

Anyway, good for you, keep doin' what works for you, and keep sharing your boog and your recovery with DU!

appreciatively,
Bright