Addiction recovery services were being featured on the news this morning. The goal is to remove the stigma of having this problem. The focus was on those that self-medicate, as they were calling that. I guess that is what we are going to call abuse now, self-medicating. It's not really your fault, you just lack the proper training to administer that medication. You certainly shouldn't have any fingers pointed at you for that. The truth is, you should be given support and training, taught how to properly administer those medications. That's the stigma we need to change, taking medications shouldn't be discouraged in any way, they should be supported.
I understand all of that. How else can you justify the widespread prescribing of medications for mental health. The array of drugs for that purpose is staggering. It is also becoming a far more common thing than at any time in history. Mood altering drugs are the most common. I read where they are classified into three types. I'm not a doctor and so don't really understand a lot about that but they are supposed to control your mood. I'm thinking it's the same thing as, steadying my nerves, a shot of liquor does the same thing unless you overmedicate yourself that is. Did you know that was possible during prohibition? You could get a prescription for alcohol during that time in America. It was prescribed for cancer, indigestion and depression. Today we just self-medicate with alcohol, no prescription needed. Some states are now allowing marijuana for the same reason, self-medication.
So, if we are going to say that if you self-medicate and get an addiction that isn't your fault, shouldn't it be the doctor's fault if I get addicted to a prescription medication? I mean they are the ones with the training and knowledge. I shouldn't get an addiction from that. If I take more than is prescribed, over medicate myself, that is their fault too. I can't see where that is any different from a gun manufacturer. If I take the gun and shoot someone with it that's their fault, right. Many people are saying just that, the gun is being violent. It's not the fault of the user, it's the fault of the gun. The manufacturer of that gun should be held responsible. It really is the same logic.
This is a paragraph for the Mayo Clinic on mental health. "Cultural norms and social expectations also play a role in defining mental health disorders. There is no standard measure across cultures to determine whether a behavior is normal or when it becomes disruptive. What might be normal in one society may be a cause for concern in another" The bottom line is really we don't have a standard; we rewrite that book every few years or so. In fact, there are several books. How do you measure "social expectations" in a person? Well, currently the only way we have is to take a test and have that evaluated by a mental health expert. A great deal depends upon which expert you are talking to. All doctors, nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants can prescribe mood altering drugs. All that is necessary is for you to have the correct answers to the test.
We hear a lot of complaints about big pharma. What is the biggest complaint? The cost of those medications. It's a valid point when considering lifesaving medications like insulin. I'm certain there are a good number of medications that are a necessity. Big pharma we call it. Are they to blame for the drug crisis in America? They are the ones selling the product, aren't they? Just like the gun manufacturers. These products are probably the most widely advertised products in America. You can't turn on the television without hearing a song, a jingle, a testimonial or an endorsement for some drug. You are implored to ask your physician about; fill in the blank. The message is clear, if you aren't living your life to the "fullest" you need some drug to correct that. Name the issue, we have the treatment. No promises of a cure, just a treatment.
But don't worry if you get addicted recovery services are available. Some states have included that with their legalization of marijuana usage. A certain percentage of the profits go into a special fund for addiction services. Strangely however no state has ever earmarked any profits from alcohol sales for addiction recovery services. No, that's on you has been the mindset. Mood altering drugs whether prescribed or self-administered however are a different thing altogether. Not your fault and no stigma should be attached to any of that. In fact, you should be applauded for recognizing your problem. Once recovered you can serve as an example to others. You can recover from addiction! After all, it wasn't your fault. It wasn't the fault of the prescriber unless he/she prescribed too much. The court will decide on that though, not the doctors.
Your mental health was determined by a professional and medications deemed necessary. Then because of your mental health condition you over medicate yourself and become addicted. The doctor wasn't at fault, and neither are you. Only one left to blame is the manufacturer. But you decided to self-medicate. That's not your fault, you didn't have any other choice. You become addicted. Again, not your fault. You should be given services. The only one to blame is the drug dealer in the alley. If they weren't selling that stuff, you couldn't buy it. Just like if they can't sell a gun, you can't shoot anyone. It's not your fault.
Look I'm not saying you shouldn't be given help when you ask for it. I'm not saying you shouldn't be forgiven. What I am saying is, it is your fault. You are the one that made the decision to self-medicate. It is a reflection of you. Recovery without personal accountability never works. Recovery without the realization that you are responsible for your choices will never work. Yes, there should be a stigma associated with that. That stigma should remain visible to you! Recovery occurs when others don't see that stigma. It may take years but that is what recovery really is. Self-realization and taking personal accountability for your choices. Only you can do that.
Using mood altering drugs as a cure. It isn't going to work. The best you can hope for is a stabilization. What you have to guard against is having to treat the cure! That's what recovery is all about. Treating the cure.
Mental health: What's normal, what's not - Mayo Clinic Included for those demanding I show my sources.
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