I think everybody has a different experience with meds and how they view addiction. For me, I don’t see the media as too harsh on addiction. And, I think sometimes, I am amazed at what some of our own members say. I cringe when I hear/read “I am just going to take a valium [or whatever] and go to bed.” Or things like “yummie, Xanex.”

I do agree, sometimes I get the feeling people worry too much about getting addicted to things like antidepressants, that to me don’t seem as addictive as say benzos.

I am not saying people should not take meds or even addictive meds. I am well medicated—antipsychotic, antidepressant, mood stabilizer and a stimulant. I may be somewhat addicted to the meds, esp the stimulant, but the benefits outweigh the negatives. I need them to function.

Everybody has a different experience—it is up to each individual and their doc or pdoc to decide what is right for them, no matter what the media says.