Question: Hello, I am an alcoholic. I was sober for 9 years and relapsed for about two years after undergoing a major surgery.

I decided that I needed serious treatment to get sober this time so I spent a month in a facility out of state. Once arriving I quickly realized that philosophically the place that I was in subscribed to scientology. I have struggled with anxiety and depression for my entire life and have taken various medications. I was surprised to learn that in addition to not drinking there was also the expectation that I would also be stopping my ssri. The withdrawal from this was very difficult. I definitely do not subscribe to scientology but I trusted the Dr there and was desperate to do whatever was required to be sober. Long story short, I fear that I could possibly relapse if I don't take medication. Thus far i am okay (about 2 months in ₩ but I'm finding that my mood is often unstable.

I was hoping that you might be able to shed some light on this anti-psychiatrist philosophy and perhaps give your opinion as to what might be best. Continue with no medication and see what happens or go back to my psychiatrist ? The Dr in the facility had definite opinions which he readily shared about psychiatric medication. Claimin that no one really knows what they do.

I'm not sure if I agree. empirical scientific method seems like a better approach no? But, like I said, I seem okay for now.

I assumed this would be the recommendation. I felt it pretty irresponsible to take this approach with people in such serious need. Programmatically any scientology approaches were "elective".

So to follow up. I have been on many different medications and never really have found one that works. the exception being when I first got sober 13 years ago and was prescribed Kolonipin. That was the only time in my life that I felt "normal". I've had periods of as needed use also. Understanding the risks involved with taking this type of medication, would it ever be indicated for someone like me? There seem to be two schools of thought. I do know that when taking Kolonipin I have no desire to drink and I've never abused it in any way. Should this be avoided at all costs anyway?

Thanks for your reply