"Not at all. I have viewed Recovery as complementing the physician's
efforts. The psychiatrist essentially works with the patient. The doctor
and the patient have responsibilities. It is not like a physical illness
where the doctor treats the patient. Patients learn through Recovery that
they can improve and learn how to cope. The doctor and the patient work
together to form an alliance."
"Yes I do, because I am confident that no one in Recovery will be
offering medical advice. Both AA and Narcotics Anonymous have strong opinions
against all drugs. Recovery encourages the patient to work with the doctor.
It is easy to refer patients to Recovery but I certainly would not put
AA down either."
"That would depend on the condition of the patient. With regard
to major illnesses, I would wait for some stability and return of some
judgment and self control. It is reasonable to refer patients from their
first visit or at least to suggest Recovery attendance at this time."
"It is easy to say who would not be suitable for referral. So many
patients might benefit from Recovery: all types of anxiety disorders, depression,
psycho-physical disorders, stress of psychological symptoms. Those suffering
from manic depression and schizophrenia can benefit after some medical
treatment. People who have regular chemical addiction and suffer from severe
memory loss must wait for stability. Any patient with brain damage or dementia
is not suitable for referral. People with depression would benefit except
in the most serious stage."
"Yes, I would treat each one separately. After the schizophrenic
is out of severe delusions and hallucinations he/she can live in the community.
After the hospital phase of treatment, the patient needs time to get acclimated
to daily life and then it is the ideal time for SELF-HELP, which is such
an important part of recovery for the schizophrenic. Because agoraphobia
is an anxiety disorder, the patient needs to be convinced to go to a Recovery
meeting. They learn the wisdom conveyed by choosing to act in spite of
the symptoms. They will benefit as soon as they can be convinced to get
out and go to the meetings."
"I am not an expert on AA, but I do refer people to AA. There is
no dominant spiritual component in Recovery like there is in AA. The focus
in Recovery is on trivialities and this is a distinct advantage. Recovery
sticks with the practical aspects of coping and living and leaves existential
matters to others. There are two advantages of this practical aspect: First,
it keeps the patient from getting bogged down in unanswerable questions.
Secondly, it keeps the focus on daily living, on what you have to do to
get by each day. These two groups are not antithetical. There is no co-existing
conflict. The AA program does concentrate on making amends for the past.
Better groups come around to working in the present. The challenge is to
make each day as good as we can to make the future better for ourselves."