Hope

[Lane]

Hi Im am 27 years old, an ex drug addict (did meth for four years and pot for ten, with a bunch of crap inbetween), who was diagnosed with schizoaffective and is currently on five different psychiatric meds.

But I am here because I have hope to get off my meds and I want to learn how. I am already living a happy, healthy, and very productive life - but how much more could I do if my brain were functioning normally?! (ie without meds).

I am doing great. REALLY great (planning for a university education while working a good job), but how much better if my mind wasnt full of crap?

I just cut down my dose of antidepressant (Wellbutrin) from 600 to 450 mg every two days. Im am on 150 mg now per day, and so far I am a very happy person. I say this is a good indication I do not need to be on that anyways.

I am on Epival (mood stabilizer), Wellbutrin, Risperadol (anti-psychotic), Temazepam (sleep aid) and Concerta (ADD/ADHD medication). All are doing their job, but I really just want to be free of all this and I know I can do it with the help of my doctors, family and friends.

And maybe you guys. Any wisdom?

-L.

 

[Apotheosis]

Hi - there is a lot of info out there on this subject if you look.

Here is a good guide -

http://theicarusproject.net/HarmReductionGuideComingOffPsychDrugs

As well as a free guide to working 'drug free' with such experiences -

http://www.peter-lehmann-publishing.com/books/beyond-belief.pdf

There is some books worth getting on the subject -

Coming Off Psychiatric Drugs by Peter Lehmann (ed.)

Alternatives Beyond Psychiatry by Peter Stastny and Peter Lehmann

& Your Drug May Be Your Problem:
How and Why to Stop Taking Psychiatric Medications
by Peter Breggin M.D. and David Cohen Ph.D.

http://www.breggin.com/

As well as many other books, web sites & publications. (you may find the 2 links in my 'signature' useful.

I am long term in T-total recovery from alcohol & drugs. It's now 8 & a half years; although I did have a small slip 2 & a half years ago; & got drunk a few times, & smoked pot once.

I was 'diagnosed' with paranoid Schizophrenia during the years of being in active addiction - & that label has remained re-instated. I have however got to a low dose of one drug/med.

I wish you well on your healing Journey.

 

[jamesdean]

I wish you well on your journey Lane good luck for a continued great future regards JD

 

[livefree1]

Good luck, you seem really positive about your recovery and very inspiring. I wish you well.