Authoritative Versus Collaborative Approaches to Mental Health, Medication Dependency and Addiction Recovery.

A collaborative approach to mental health, medication dependency and addiction recovery includes the patient’s input on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. This model works to empower the patient in their healing process. It draws upon the individual’s unique perspective, and insight into their condition, as well as presenting them with the opportunity to choose the treatment option(s) they feel most comfortable with. The collaborative model is based on the principle that the patient is an important member of their treatment team, resulting in empowering them to care for themselves.
An authoritarian approach to mental health and addiction treatment draws a line between patient and practitioner. It relies upon the concept that the “doctor knows best” and does little to involve the patient in the assessment process or decisions regarding their treatment and potential recovery. In the authoritative model, doctors dictate the course of treatment, based on their assessment, with little input from the patient on either the assessment or the treatment. This approach can put the patient in a position where they feel powerless and compelled to follow whatever advice is doled out.
Our society places high esteem on licensed medical and clinical practitioners, doctors especially. Traditionally, doctors have acted and been treated as the ultimate authority on anything medical concerning our bodies. We visit the hospital or the doctor’s office and then follow the recommended course of treatment without question.
But something changes when our general practitioner pulls out a prescription pad and puts us on a drug. More specifically, a drug that will create a dependency and is recommended to take for the rest of our life.
We have been taught to take the advice of our doctor without question, which can lead to problems. The fact of the matter is that many doctors today make a practice of handing out medications liberally and without much investigation, and without educating or collaboration with the patient.
Statistics show psychiatric medication use is steadily on the rise. According to one report released by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the rate of antidepressant use in North America has increased by almost 400% between 1988–1994 and 2005–2008. And, according to America’s State of Mind report, data shows that use of atypical antipsychotics in adults has soared over the past decade, up more than 3.5 times from 2001–2010.
As the numbers of psychiatric medications being prescribed in the North America continues to grow, our awareness and self-advocacy will need to grow along side. Patients can not afford to blindly follow the advice of our doctors any longer, but rather must question, investigate, and be empowered themselves, to make the right choices for themselves and their loved ones.
At Alternative to Meds Center, we take a collaborative and truly holistic approach to treating mental health and addiction issues and medication dependency. Our clinical team works closely with each resident to educate and empower them through each step of their healing journey with us. We consider the patient to be an integral member of their clinical team. Each decision regarding their treatment is made with them, not on their behalf. By implementing this collaborative model, our residents can safely taper off their medications feeling supported, respected, and heard. As it should be.
