In Times of Illness - Narcotics Anonymous

“I was one person who believed that, if you used anythingfor any reason, it was considered a relapse. Until I was facedwith this situation in my own recovery, it didn’t dawn on methat I might have to take medication. I can remember goingto meetings and having people ask me if I’d relapsed, andtelling me to pick up a white chip. This really hurt and scaredme. I felt rejected and very alone because no one seemed tounderstand that I needed strength and hope.”The Basic Text recommends consulting professionalsconcerning our medical problems. We also workclosely with our sponsor and other experiencedNA members we trust. Many members todayhave experience with illness and medication inrecovery. We can look to their example and listento their experience to help us face our fears aboutmedication. We remember that we are especiallyvulnerable to our old ways of thinking when we arein pain. Prayer, meditation, and sharing can helpus keep our minds off our discomfort. Addicts areoften surprised to discover how much pain we cantolerate without medication. Reaching out andsharing honestly with those we trust can help uskeep our priorities in order. Our goal is to maintainour recovery.It’s helpful to remember theimportance of making a consciousdecision not to medicate ourselvesor treat our own illnesses.In Times of Illness11