Problems Other Than Alcohol

The Big Book chapter, A Family Afterward, pg 133, makes it very clear we should seek outside help with Psychological, Medical and other issues of "various kinds". 

"Now about health: A body badly burned by alcohol
does not often recover overnight nor do twisted thinking
and depression vanish in a twinkling. We are convinced
that a spiritual mode of living is a most powerful health
restorative. We, who have recovered from serious drinking,
are miracles of mental health. But we have seen
remarkable transformations in our bodies. Hardly one of
our crowd now shows any mark of dissipation.

But this does not mean that we disregard human health
measures. God has abundantly supplied this world with
fine doctors, psychologists, and practitioners of various
kinds. Do not hesitate to take your health problems to
such persons. Most of them give freely of themselves,
that their fellows may enjoy sound minds and bodies.
Try to remember that though God has wrought miracles
among us, we should never belittle a good doctor or psychiatrist.
Their services are often indispensable in treating
a newcomer and in following his case afterward."

Emphasis:

"Their services are often indispensable in treating
a newcomer and in following his case afterward."


This above pamphlet makes the same point as the Big Book although the pamphlet is more current and has some great extra information. 

Two of the main points: 

  1. No A.A. member should “play doctor”; all medical advice and treatment should come from a qualified physician.

  1. Because of the difficulties that many alcoholics have with drugs, some members have taken the position that no one in A.A. should take any medication. While this position has undoubtedly prevented relapses for some, it has meant disaster for others.

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