Medical Treatment [5 films, 9’07”]
Dr. David McCartney describes first receiving help for his drinking problem when he was referred to an addiction psychiatrist. He had to initially undergo a detox, as he was drinking dependently and it would not have been safe for him to stop drinking without medical assistance. This was one of the most unpleasant experiences of his life. The various pills he was prescribed did not alter David’s emotional suffering after he stopped drinking.
David describes the rest of his medical treatment after his detox. When his consultant brought up the topic of mutual aid, he said to David, ‘I’m not sure it’s going to be the right fit for you.’
Some months later, David decided to come off his drugs and tried a social drink. Disaster! He stopped drinking, but continued to have terrible cravings for alcohol. He then tried some codeine from his medical bag and thought he had made an amazing discovery, as his craving disappeared. However, that ‘discovery’ took him down a very fast and rapid descent into opiate and other prescription drug addiction.
David eventually went to a residential rehab and left four months later prescription drug-free. When he went back to his consultant it was suggested that he should go back on all the prescription drugs.