ic0nforhire

Hi Barry! I’m a recovering alcoholic. I’ve noticed addicts I’ve come in contact to—either from meetings, IOP, or rehab—have all talked about drug replacement therapy. What is your opinion on drug replacement therapy? Most folks in NA I have talked to unanimously agree that it makes addiction more difficult to overcome, especially since suboxone is very potent. However, that’s just anecdotal evidence.

One of my former coworkers is a Christian from Syria. He said the country is no where near the same and he said left before things got worse. He said he lived in an area known as “Christian valley,” which is by what he called the “safe zone.”

Do you know how safe that area currently is and is it presently in danger? I know he said he was trying to get more of his family over here, but they refuse to leave.

Thank you!

I’m a recovering alcoholic and I was once very involved in a 12 step program, but I don’t go as often these days. I have a two part question: what is your opinion of 12 step programs, and do you think mental health diagnosis should play a larger role in 12 step programs? I ask this because I tried going to 12 step programs for a while and failed. What really gardened results for me was the support I gained from those meetings, and the fact I was properly diagnosed bipolar and received the right medications and help from a great mental health professional. I now feel as if I don’t need a substance to try and make me feel less depressed, or more balanced due to my medication.

I feel as if my story is pretty common. I meet and speak to a lot of folks that have signs and symptoms of mental illnesses, but do not seem to get help as often. Instead, the 12 steps seem to be the preferred remedy, which I think it could work in tandem with medication or the help of a mental help professional. Most rehabs I have visited or have been to myself are not dual diagnosis, but instead focus on 12 step recovery.

Thank you!