Glutamate’s tag team partner is GABA, a neurotransmitter that works to massage the neurons into a state of ease. Without sufficient GABA, we tend to become fearful and anxious. Try turning your life around while fearful and anxious.

What this tells us is that everything starts with the medical model. In essence, the recovery model embraces the medical model. We can’t do it ourselves. Most of us need a chemical assist. Our biology needs to cooperate with us to get motivated, to think things through, to have the courage to change. Our meds are far from perfect, but they help us to help ourselves. Psychiatric meds may not return you to the kind of life you wish to lead, but good meds management can bring your brain back on line. The operating system may not function perfectly, but the hard drive is at least booting up.

At last, we are in a position to take charge, assume responsibility and start to lead disciplined lives.

We are ready to dispense with the excuses, while at the same time acknowledging our shortcomings.  After all, Rome wasn’t built in just a day. A difficult road filled with heartbreak and frustration may lie just ahead. But now, at least, the recovery can begin.