1. Chose 3 recovery partners to refuse and/or monitor & dispense Rx Drugs.
2. Write your living will (Medical Directive) with explicit instructions on drug
precautions and alternatives.
3. Practice preventative medicine (such as vitamins, exercise, meditation.....)
4. Understand the FIVE DISEASE PROTOCOLS:
A. TRIVIAL CONDITIONS (minor discomforts) “Don’t treat passing symptoms with
drugs.”
B. TRAUMATIC ILLNESS and ACCIDENT “Expect emergency Rx drugs & prepare for
withdrawal.”
C. TRUDGING (chronic) ILLNESS “Consult your recovery partners when changing
routine or medication.”
D. TROUBLING (mental/emotional) CONDITIONS
“Take time to talk about life situations before accepting Rx drugs.”
“Never stop psychotropic drugs without professional supervision.”
E. TRANSITIONAL (fatal) ILLNESS
“Remain flexible. Accept sufficient pain control for continuous comfort.”
5. Learn the Side- effects of a drug (Ups, Downs or Weirds)
"Almost any OTC or Rx drug may trigger relapse."
6. Avoid Benzodiazepines (and drug relatives) absolutely; Take antihistamines only in
emergencies.
7. Take nothing “for Sleep.”
8. Never take a drug “PRN” (as needed), without consulting your recovery partners.
9. Accept adequate pain medication during trauma or transition with input of your
recovery partners.
10. Prepare an “Illness Inventory” (Record information about your condition and gauge
your discomfort level to aid in diagnosis and healthy decision-making).
11. Get to know an addiction pharmacist and educate one doctor at a time.
12. Offer to pay your doctor for “Diagnosis only” and your pharmacist for “Consult
only” visits.
reprinted with the permission of Nan D., from Don’t Risk Your Recovery.
(Prescription Drugs Can Sabotage Your Sobriety)