In Times of Illness - Narcotics Anonymous

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has the desire to experience the NA program ofrecovery. Some members recover in NA with mentalillness that requires medication. Just as we wouldn’tsuggest that an insulin-dependent diabetic addictstop taking their insulin, we don’t tell mentally illaddicts to stop taking their prescribed medication.We leave medical issues up to doctors. As NAmembers, our primary purpose is to carry themessage of recovery to the addict who still suffers,not to give medical advice. Responsibility rests withthe member to be honest about their condition withinformed healthcare professionals, and to evaluatetheir treatment and medication options.“Over the years I have learned that in order to remain clean,I have to be pro active in dealing with my mental illness; andin order to remain men tally stable, I have to be proactive inmy recovery. For me, the disease of ad diction and my mentaldisorder must be dealt with simul taneously. Al though thesteps are my best defense against relapse, no amount of stepwork, prayer, meeting attendance, or calling my spon sor willchange the fact that I have mental illness. Just because I’mclean does not mean that I no longer have mental healthissues. The very disorder that affected me when I was usingstill affects me today. Ultimately, the decision to take medicationor not to take medication is a deeply personal one.”In Times of IllnessAn aspect of addiction is the compulsive misuse andabuse of drugs, often at the expense of our physicaland mental health. In recovery, we learn to beresponsible for ourselves. For some addicts, this maymean seeking mental health treatment and takingmedication as prescribed. Our experience shows20
We should share honestlywith our doctor and sponsor,examine our motives,and decide what courseof action is right for us.that there are times when our members have beenprescribed mental health medication for symptomsresulting from our active addiction. Members in thissituation often find that after a period of time inrecovery they are able to stop taking this medicationunder the supervision of their doctor. This is notthe case for everyone. Our membership also includesaddicts who have lifelong mental health issues. Weshould share honestly with our doctor and sponsor,examine our motives, and decide what course ofaction is right for us. In NA we have freedom tomake decisions about our life and recovery in a safeenvironment, free of judgment. It is our personalresponsibility to seek professional help when weneed it. A mental health professional can assistus in understanding our illness and explain ourtreatment options.“All addicted persons are welcome and equal in obtaining therelief that they are seeking from their addiction; every addictcan recover in this program on an equal basis.”BASIC TEXTIn Times of Illness21
Page 3 and 4: ContentsPreface 5Background informa
Page 6 and 7: practical suggestions for living a
Page 8 and 9: our recovery. This will helpthem pr
Page 10 and 11: trusted NA friends can help us make
Page 12 and 13: Cleantime is an issue for eachof us
Page 14 and 15: and other trusted NA friends offer
Page 16 and 17: our motives and seeking the suggest
Page 18 and 19: The primary purpose of our groups i
Page 22 and 23: NA promises us freedom from active
Page 24 and 25: Emergency Care“The steps are our
Page 26 and 27: make decisions that will enhance ou
Page 28 and 29: A renewal of our commitment to main
Page 30 and 31: After a period of illness or treatm
Page 32 and 33: We commit to work closelywith our s
Page 34 and 35: The disease of addiction is progres
Page 36 and 37: when they have abused their medicat
Page 38: surrender and help us break through
Page 41 and 42: Supporting Memberswith Illness“Lo
Page 43 and 44: professionals. We take care to focu
Page 45 and 46: ConclusionComing to accept an illne
Page 47 and 48: Suggestions to Followwith Illness a

In Times of Illness - Narcotics Anonymous

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