The growing realization that forced drugging (including AOT) is a human rights abuse that hinders recovery.
The most noteworthy development in this area in the past several years is the growing awareness that forced drugging is a human rights abuse, and that new forms of forced drugging in the form of so called 'AOT' laws, are just as restrictive as all other forms of forced drugging and that these forced drugging practices cannot be allowed to stand in a free society.
Enough of forced drugging.
True recovery is possible for all persons labeled 'mentally ill'. Recovery is hindered by coercive, violent human rights abusing practices like AOT.
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23 comments
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Rachel Klein
commented
It is not only a human rights violation, one that is terrible in practice and effects, but AOT/IOT does even work to meet its own stated goals - as several studies and state experiences have shown. AOT/IOT is also very, very expensive - both in the administration of the programs and the cost in human suffering and lives lost to years of being drugged...
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Thank Goodness It's Over
commented
It's really, really sad that you think that, Anonymous. It's also somewhat odd, because well.. you know... medications have such a poor track record of actually working. Or, by 'function in society,' did you mean 'be sedated to the point of immobility so no one really has to worry about how you're doing inside?'
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Anonymous
commented
Their is a real and tragic subset of the seriously mentally ill whose illness deprives them of the ability to function and of their civil rights. For this important subset, medication for an illness they do not recognize is their only way to function in society.
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Thank Goodness It's Over
commented
That we don't have the answer to how to help someone who is struggling so much does not mean forced treatment of any sort IS the answer. That's obviously what all of you who keep posting these stories of hopelessness are out to prove, but it proves nothing but that there are very hard, very said situations in our world. We all already knew that.
The best suggestion I can offer is to invest a lot of money in peer workers and others who can be out on the streets meeting people and really developing relationships with them over the long term so that that trusting relationship might grow into that person's willingness to get help. Wont work all of the time, and definitely wont work quickly but that does NOT mean forced treatment.
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anonymous
commented
I am not asking for forced drugs for my child. For the last 2 years No one is able to convince him to get help. Any help to feel better. His paranoia and delusion has taken a toll on us. I don't even know living this life is any better than not having my normal child. Can someone tell me how to get help for my son... All I am asking any help, NO drugs,,,He is only 20 and has lots of years to live. He looks like homeless without personal hygiene...It's very difficult for parents to see him that way...Do you have an answer???
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Anonymous
commented
Forced drugging destroyed my daughter's life. I hope the pro forced drugging "advocates" understand the harm they are doing. Given that they are zealots, I highly doubt it.
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Lila Banner
commented
Are you KIDDING me!? THE BENEFITS OF FORCED TREATMENT ARE JUST A MATTER OF OPINION? Force is not an opinion. It's a human rights violation.
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Anonymous
commented
Of course there is a right or wrong, here. Any time someone wants to make laws that takes away freedoms from someone else, it is NOT just a matter of opinion.
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anonymous
commented
Everyone is allowed to have an opinion. While there is NO right OR wrong, one is allowed to do what their heart desires. Don't judge anyone, do what works for you..Just saying..
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Anosognosia is Not a Word
commented
The frank fact of the matter is there MAY be people who neither approach will help, and a rare few who would somehow be 'helped' in some way by force... But the number of people harmed by force SO INCREDIBLY EXCEEDS those who would ever be helped by it, that it's absolutely absurd to suggest laws be built in the other direction.
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Marsha
commented
Is homelessnes, incarceration, and no shot at a higher quality of life any better?
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Abuse Monitor
commented
You're right, Marsha, it's not all about forced drugging. Forcing people to be incarcerated in hospitals, seen by psychiatrists and therapists (who recommend the drugs), etc. is also a problem.
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Anonymous
commented
Forced drugging is a crime. Thanks for voting guys.
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anonymous
commented
Here is a question for you. What are my options for my 22 year old son who is mentally ill, lives by himself in Philadelphia? Due to severe lack of insight, he doesn't take shower for months, stinkss, thinks politicians have disappeared and are using doubles. Thinks Goverment has given him the mental illness. Who do I contact? Mental health delegates have not been able to help because he refuses all help. All I am asking is who can talk to my son? I don't want him to be on drugs so all of you who know something more thna me please help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Marsha
commented
There are many misconceptions about AOT in NY. It is not even really about medication. it is about encouraging people to get help; often counseling and medical and financial help, if needed. Also, it is designed to hold agencies
responsible for treaating all patienss and not "cherry picking people with issues." I am sorry if people have had bad experiences with AOT. I know people who died or are spending their lives in jail and probably would have been helped by AOT. These are "not made up people." They are real people and their needs were not met and I say that is a true tragedy We should be ashamed of our country for "ignorant, non-compassionate help." -
Raleigh Milner
commented
YES YES YES!
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Anonymous
commented
If a court is forcing you to take drugs, it is forced drugging. If a law is used to compel you to comply with drugging, it is forced drugging. There is NO way around this TRUTH. Regardless of if it happens in the community or in the hospital, having drugs forced into your body by law is an atrocity.
The AOT advocates who lie and say that legal compulsion is not force, are kind of like people who would say a bank employee is not having their hand forced when they have a gun to their head to hand over the cash.
AOT destroys lives.
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Ano Snoozia
commented
Wish I could give all my 10 votes here.
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Marsha
commented
AOT is about a lot more than "forced drugging." People have to stay alive in order t0 perhaps reach some of their goals.
I was given forced drugging to the extreme when I was a young woman. My hospitalization was horrible and I still have
nighmares 40 years later. However, times are different. AOT helps many people stay in the community and in NY Sttate, there
is not "forced drugging."However, I met many of my life goals....and I survived. AOT is needed and should be national and expanded in each state. It saves lives and saves money.
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Jeannette Hauver
commented
I am so sorry to see obviously mentally ill persons suffering because the individuals cannot recognize there is an illness present and treatment needed could help. I have seen the decrease in functioning, happiness and violence that occurs when mental illness is untreated. Yes, all medications have side effects and it takes courage to work with a doctor and other helpers. With more research there may be better ways to provide treatment, but right now this is all we've got.
