WORKING TOGETHER: WITHDRAWAL SUPPORT GROUPS
Accepting and sharing problems with other people has always been good therapy. It is essential to be in a relaxed setting where you can grieve, have a panic attack, or make frequent trips to the lavatory without embarrassment. By expressing exactly what you feel, you give others permission to do the same.
There are often amusing moments even in the most unhappy situations. Sharing these is good medicine. One group member turned the meeting into a pantomime when she described the panic attack she experienced whilst working as a sales demonstrator in a supermarket.
Another young woman announced that she had come to terms with the temporary incontinence, ‘All you need is to wear boots—you can slowly fill them up and nobody knows!’
Guard against endless discussions on how inappropriate or harmful your drug treatment has been. It is in the past. Air your views on the subject, then leave it behind.
If you are lucky enough to get through withdrawal without any drugs for symptomatic relief, be grateful, and do not scold those who cannot. They may be disappointed that they need anti-depressants or other drugs for a time. The aim is for everyone to be drug-free, but some people may need temporary medication to achieve this.
Remember too that you cannot know the medical history of others in the group and there may be a very good reason why they are on certain drugs.
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