Throughout the years I have worked with several clients who were criticized or rebuked by family members or Alcoholics Anonymous sponsors for using psychiatric medications as a "crutch". Yes.... and?
I'm reading the August 2009 edition (yes I am a little bit behind in my reading) of Yoga Journal and I am reminded once again of all the benefits yoga has to offer in one's struggle for peace of mind and mental health.
Working in a homeless shelter, I work with a lot of clients who came from very dysfunctional and chaotic family systems. One man grew up in such a family and overcame it by joining the military. How did that help?
Many children with whom I work I have been labeled "ADHD" and placed on medications in an attempt to control their "acting out" or their "meltdowns" or their "behavior problems" at school.
I've begun to see a connection between clients who are struggling with self regulation and growing up in a very authoritarian families. By "self regulation" I mean they have difficulty managing, or regulating, their emotions, behaviors, and impulses. They may use drugs or alcohol to excess, overeat, break the law or spend money far beyond their means.