Transcript G.A.M.

G.A.M.
A Global approach to
psychiatric medication for
Individual and Collective
transformation
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“G.A.M.” – the name & some
GAM landmarks.
“Gaining Autonomy with my Medication”
 “Gestion Autonome des Médicaments de
l’âme”
 S.P.M. “self-management of psychiatric
medication”
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Since 1994: 3 pilot-projects; GAM provincial
committee; publications; International Forum
in 2007 on GAM practices “Psychotropic
Medications: the only answer to suffering?”
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G.A.M Originators
An Alliance between:
 Service users – initial impetus.
 RRASMQ – Quebec coalition of alternative
resources in mental health.
 AGIDD-SMQ- Quebec coalition of advocacy
groups in mental health.
 ERASME – Research team.
Lourdes Rodriguez del Barrio, School of
Social Work of Université de Montréal.
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What’s GAM?
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At the level of the individual:
A process of learning & understanding medication & its effects
on all aspects of a person’s life.
A process of questioning one’s needs & wants with respect to
psychiatric medication.
GAM is not an end in itself; it is part of a process of personal
development. It cannot be artificially separated or managed
apart from that process.
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At the collective level:
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Integrating this approach in various community agencies and
hospitals.
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The Steps as outlined in the
Guide “Taking Back Control”
Part 1:
 First step: Awakening. “I am a person not
an illness!”
 Second step: Observing my self.
How is my quality of life? (No one can be
against having a better quality of life!).
(My everyday life; my living conditions; the
people around me; my health; my medication
– why?;effects of medication on all aspects of
my life – positive & negative.)
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GAM Steps - continued
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Third step: Recognizing. What are my basic
needs? What are my resources? What are
my rights? Learning about my medications –
Instrumental: “Critical Guide of Psychiatric
Medications” & training “The Other Side of the
Pill”.
 Fourth step: Choosing. Now is the time to
make a decision – adjust; continue; reduce;
stop.
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A Method to reduce/discontinue
psychiatric medication
Part 2:
If I come to the conclusion that my current
medication has a negative effect on my
Quality of life, this might be the method for
me.
- My decision; preparation; action plan;my
actors;lifeguards;10% rule; “quality of life
dose” or “comfort zone”; my self-evaluation
scale; log book; withdrawal effects
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Once upon a time, we had a dream…
“Our dream is that people who have had
experiences like ours never again become
victims of a decision-making system that
excludes them, so they can make clear and
informed choices and take control of their
lives.” Taken from: Taking Back Control
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10 Good REASONS:
Why GAM shouldn’t just stay in Québec!
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It works! So many people have changed their life around with
GAM!
It goes to the core of the issue: medication should be there to
improve a person’s quality of life and not worsen it!
It gives the different actors a non-confrontational, nonjudgemental way to talk about medication by avoiding
polarization - anti or pro medication.
No need anymore to talk about compliance!
The symbolic aspects of meds are taken into account.
It’s a collaborative process/alliance of different actors.
It’s a transversal approach.
The expertise of the user (consumer/survivor) is recognized.
Opens up spaces of dialogue around medication and suffering.
It’s about true empowerment of the person and his/her
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environment.
Welcome to the world of GAM…
Céline Cyr
GAM pioneer & ambassador
[email protected] for inquiries & GAM course
www.rrasmq.com - to order GAM guides
Action on Alternatives
International RECOVERY Perspectives
June 5th & 6th, 2008 - Toronto
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