Question on the Precept of not giving or taking drugs

[Shonin]

So I am reading about the precepts again as a reminder. And I was curious about how medication fits into this precept. I have some mental health conditions ( schizophrenia , bi polar disorder and anxiety) that our purely controlled by medication. Does this mean I am unable to ever keep this precept?


Dave _/\_ Sat

[Eishuu]

Personally I think there's massive difference between taking intoxicants (which is often how it is referred to in the precepts if I remember) and taking medication. There is a difference in terms of intention (one involves craving/delusion, avoidance, etc) and the other involves an intent to manage a mental health condition which is no different from taking medication to manage a physical condition.

Obviously some people use drugs as a form of self-medication, and it's also possible that drugs used to manage other conditions can become addictive and unhelpful. Maybe it's about looking at both intention and the effects of 'drugs'. If your medication is helping improve the quality of your life and of those around you then I don't think it falls into the 'not taking drugs' in that precept. I think it's a very responsible thing to do to look after yourself.

That's just my take on it.

Gassho
Eishuu
ST/LAH

[Jundo]

What Eishuu said.

Gassho Jundo

StLah

[Emmet]

Some folks need to take insulin; it's hard to practice the Dharma in a diabetic coma. If psychotropic medications raise your level of functioning sufficiently so that you can engage in practice, I'd consider that not a violation of the 5th Precept, but 'Skillful Means'.

Sat today.

[Mp]

Personally I think there's massive difference between taking intoxicants (which is often how it is referred to in the precepts if I remember) and taking medication. There is a difference in terms of intention (one involves craving/delusion, avoidance, etc) and the other involves an intent to manage a mental health condition which is no different from taking medication to manage a physical condition.

Obviously some people use drugs as a form of self-medication, and it's also possible that drugs used to manage other conditions can become addictive and unhelpful. Maybe it's about looking at both intention and the effects of 'drugs'. If your medication is helping improve the quality of your life and of those around you then I don't think it falls into the 'not taking drugs' in that precept. I think it's a very responsible thing to do to look after yourself.

That's just my take on it.

Gassho
Eishuu
ST/LAH

Eishuu has said it very well, I echo these words.

Gassho
Shingen

Sat/LAH

[Jishin]

It has to do with body altering or body restoring. When one takes insulin one restores bodily function. Likewise, psychiatric medications restore bodily functions.

Illicit drugs and alcohol intent is to change bodily functions to something other than baseline.

Gasho, Jishin, _/st\_

[Shonin]

My concern is the fact that the meds are "mind altering" in a way. I understand it's not like trippin acid. But it kinda hit a sore spot when I was reading.

[Mp]

My concern is the fact that the meds are "mind altering" in a way. I understand it's not like trippin acid. But it kinda hit a sore spot when I was reading.

Hey Shonin,

It may be "mind altering" to some degree (and remember it is not your intent for this to be happening), but if that is doing good and helping you live a fulling life, then no precept is being broken. =)

Gassho
Shingen

Sat/LAH

[Troy]

Question on the Precept of not giving or taking drugs

I agree with others. Taking medication to treat a mental health condition would not be a violation of the precepts even if it is mind altering to some degree. Keep in mind when the precepts were written there was no such thing as modern psychiatry. I am no Buddhist scholar but my guess is they just meant don’t go around getting drunk and high all the time (or at all) because it can distract from your practice and could lead to abuse. Of course we can become intoxicated by other things too like money, power, fame, politics, video games, etc. But, none of this has to do with treating a medical condition.


Sat2day

[Shonin]

Thanks all. I appreciate the feedback

Dave _/\_ SAT

[Hoseki]

Hi Shonin,

I take medication to help me cope with my anxiety and depression my doctor has scheduled an appointment for a psychiatrist (though I've been waiting for months ) who might prescribe something else. These are clearly mind altering drugs and it has somewhat helped me cope with my problems. I think when you take a medication its OK. Wasn't the four noble truths a kind of medicine for the mind?

Gassho
Sattoday
Hoseki

[Getchi]

Food, medicine and shelter support practice and are always permissbale AFAIK.

Gassho
Geoff.

SatToday
LaH.