Can I use mental health meds if I have an addiction?

When I was first prescribed mental health medications I was scared, scared to take them because of my substance use disorder. I was afraid I would become addicted to them or that it would activate me to want to use drugs again.

Mental health medications are different from using alcohol or substances. When used properly, these meds can be life-saving and life-changing. Just like we need food and water to keep us healthy and regulate our bodies, we may need mental health meds to keep our minds healthy and regulate our mental health conditions and moods. We are dependent on food, water, and our mental health meds to help us feel better, but this doesn’t mean that we will become addicted.

Mental health medication can be a simple stepping stone or tool to help you up the road to recovery, and you deserve recovery.

Trust yourself and your experiences

You are your own best friend, and you are the only one that can navigate through your own recovery. Trusting your gut is a part of self-advocacy when it comes to taking mental health medication in recovery.

One way to advocate for yourself is to find the right doctor. Look for someone who recognizes your humanity and makes you feel comfortable. Try to find a doctor who you trust, who listens and knows your medical history. This process can be time-consuming and frustrating, but finding the right doctor for you is worth it. If you don’t know where to start, ask around—talk to friends, peers, and people that you trust, or reach out to your insurance company.

Even when you find the right doctor if something doesn’t feel right, speak up! You are an expert of your experiences. For example, if your doctor prescribed mental health meds, and the side effects are overwhelming then the dose could be too high or too low—or the medication doesn’t  work for you. The only way for your doctor to know this is if you communicate your symptoms.

Here are some tips for speaking up:

• Ask for clarification and get second opinions if you need to.
• Ask questions about the medications the doctor prescribes.
•  Do your own research and prepare questions in advance.
• Take notes during appointments.
• Keep a medication and treatment journal.
• Take a peer or someone you trust to your appointments.

Try not to be afraid or feel guilty because you speak your mind. Advocating for yourself is how you make sure that you get the care that you deserve. When it comes to medication you have to be aware of what you are taking. For example, you may not want to take narcotics in recovery. Knowing that you have the right to refuse them, and ask for alternatives makes a difference.

If needed, find alternative treatments

If you’re still worried about taking mental health medications, then ask your doctor about supplements or other treatments you can take instead.

If you take medications, take them as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking them or start anything without the consent and expert advice from your doctor. Some medications can cause problems if not monitored correctly by a physician.

But there are also things you can do to help yourself.

Making healthy choices for yourself is a necessity. One way to do this is to find coping skills and have a thorough self-care routine. This helps you to stay and feel healthy. Medication is an aide—and one way to help you feel better. But there are many others, like getting enough sleep, using coping strategies such as journaling, grounding, or meditation, finding hobbies that you enjoy, and getting in touch with your spiritual self.

Nutrition, sleep, and proper exercise are vital for taking care of yourself. If you eat nutritious foods your body and your brain will thank you. Taking the proper vitamins, minerals, and medicines your body needs will greatly improve your mental health. For example, taking care of yourself can be as simple as choosing an apple for a snack instead of candy or a bottle of water instead of a soda.

I have a self-care routine and I have coping skills.  I like listening to music and working on my physical fitness. These things help me stay healthy.

I also like to do breathing techniques to calm myself down and relax after doing something particularly stressful.  I take care of my body and eat properly.  I try to be around happy, positive people and avoid individuals that make me feel bad about myself.

Find support

When you are traveling the road to wellness, it’s crucial to learn how to build a support system.

If you are worried about taking mental health meds in recovery, ask those around you—family, friends, peers, support groups, or mental health and substance use professionals—for their support.  Having a support system of loved ones, doctors, nurses, peer specialists, and small groups, is necessary to achieve long-term recovery.

These are your people. They will understand and answer your questions with clarity.  And they can provide perspective and lived experience in addition to support and encouragement. They will help you learn to advocate for yourself, and they will cheer for you when you need it most.