ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Many mental health consumers find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle. Whenever their symptoms go into remission, they believe they are cured, and stop taking their medication, which leads to a relapse. Often, the desire stop their medication is due to the terrible side effects of some psychiatric medicines, so they clutch at straws. That is why alternative medicine can be hazardous to mental health consumers, who may believe that alternative treatments can be used to replace their medication. They may have common belief that herbal remedies, which are natural, are safer than medications, which are chemical. However, tobacco and opium are natural plant products, and can be dangerous and addictive. Alternative medicine can be helpful, though, but should only be used to supplement standard medicine, not replace it, and should be used under the careful supervision of a doctor.