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Alcohol or Drug Abuse Recovery

- your Doctor can help

Alcohol or Drug Abuse Recovery: Your Doctor Can Help

Why do I need to tell my doctor that I am in recovery?

The decision to stop using alcohol or other drugs is very important to your health. If your doctor knows that you have made this decision, he or she can help you during your recovery. By working with your doctor, you can increase your chance of not abusing alcohol or other drugs again. Your doctor can give you emotional support and treat any medical problems that may occur during your recovery.

It is also important for your doctor to know that you have a history of using alcohol or other drugs.  Honesty and strict attention to the process of recovery are some of the keys to long-term success.  In the past, you may not have been open with your doctor about how much, how often and how long you used alcohol or other drugs.  You may be uncomfortable telling your doctor that you have abused prescription medicines.  Perhaps you're afraid that if you share this information with your doctor, he or she won't prescribe medicines when you need them.

No matter what your past relationship with your doctor was--whether or not you were open about your alcohol or drug problem--your future relationship needs to be based on trust. You must be willing to work together to support your long-term recovery. Just as you can learn from your doctor, your doctor can learn from you. For example, you may be involved in a 12-step program, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, and your doctor may not know as much about how the program works as you do.

What are the medical consequences of alcohol or drug abuse?

Alcohol and other drugs can cause or worsen a wide range of medical problems. For example, some people get gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining) or high blood pressure because of drinking too much alcohol. If you were taking a medicine, such as blood pressure medicine, during the time when you were drinking or using drugs, your doctor may need to adjust the dose of this medicine now that you're not drinking or using drugs.

Mood changes, such as irritability, anger, depression and anxiety, insomnia (problems sleeping) and problems with sexual function are common in the first few months of recovery. If you have any of these problems and discuss them honestly with your doctor, he or she can help you.

Is it safe to take medicine for pain or anxiety if I have these problems?

In general, taking medicines for anxiety or pain for a long time can increase your risk of a relapse. For this reason, your doctor may want you to try other ways of relieving any pain, anxiety or insomnia you have. For example, instead of using medicine to relieve pain, your doctor may suggest that you try physical therapy, relaxation techniques, ice or heat on the painful area, or massage. These methods are often helpful. Non-opiate pain medicines can also be helpful in relieving pain if the other methods don't work. Using relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and meditation, may also help relieve feelings of stress and anxiety.

When a medicine such as a benzodiazepine or an opiate is used because other methods don't work or aren't practical, you can reduce your risk of relapse by discussing this risk with your doctor.  The two of you can work together to find the safest treatment for you.  If you are active in a 12-step program or another self-help support program, you should let your fellow members know that you are taking one of these medicines.

Is it safe to take an antidepressant if depression is a problem during my recovery?

Depression can be a problem for some patients during recovery. Major depression is a serious medical condition and often must be treated with a medicine called an antidepressant. Many patients in recovery are concerned about taking one of these medicines. However, when appropriately prescribed, antidepressants do not carry a risk of relapse. Based on your recovery status, your doctor will be able to tell you if an antidepressant is right for you.

During the first few months of recovery, you may find that participation in a self-help support group can help with certain depressed feelings. It is very important to let your doctor know if you are involved in such a group.

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

Source

American Academy of Family Physicians

This article provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this article applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.

Copyright © 2000-2005 American Academy of Family Physicians

Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses. 

Alcohol or Drug Abuse Recovery