Opiates and diving

[fisherdvm]

You are right, it is not as simple as we would like.

Thanks for an excellent review article of the topic. I read about the goal of therapy and short term maintenance (less than 12 months).

The logic they said the reason for long term maintenance lack of financial, psychosocial support, and criminal history.

With the economy as it is in the US, and closure of many mental health centers, we'll probably see alot more long term maintenance with these drugs.

 

[Mr P Pan]

"Being on maintenance medication for opiates makes me question whether one is yet sober"

A valid question but it's important to understand that the actual physical impact of the drug is in many ways less important that the periphery - the ritual of taking the drug (heroin) is EXTREMELY powerful, human connections, the risk/danger/excitment, internal pyschological condition, etc. which is why I am comfortable in saying that I am totally sober. 18 months ago I would not have been. On the surface nothing appears to have changed but internally lots has, including having long enough time away from the rituals and risk taking and finding other activities to fill the empty spaces. Just my two cents from someone on the front line as it were
J

 

[fisherdvm]

We often forget that the patients educate us as much as vice versa.

Sobriety is a loose definition that is hard to define for many addictions. And what works best for one, might not work for another.

I think that is why AA sponsors often take a hard line on any medications - irregarless of reason - and discouraged members and physicians find it hard to approve such groups. But usually, there are moderate AA and NA sponsors who are more flexible, and let you define your sobriety.

It is also funny to go to an AA meeting and see how many people smokes .... And yet it is OK. I have been only to one open AA meeting, and one NA meeting that allowed observers - but many of my patients in the past are active members - and they find the support network invaluable.