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Buddhism and drugs.
I am learning about Buddhism, and I'm trying to become a Buddhist. I have done illegal drugs before, and quiting them isn't a problem for me. But what about prescription drugs? I am on multiple bipolar medications, is this okay? I'm severely bipolar and I don't know if I can just go off of them.
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In order for you to progress on the path you need to take care of your health.
Buddhism doesn't restrict needed medication.
However, according to the Five Precepts,
5. I undertake the training rule to abstain from fermented drink that causes heedlessness, in other words, intoxicants that would prevent mindfulness.
You can't just go off of them, you would need your doctor's permission and to taper off under supervision. But if they are working for you it would be foolish to do so. You are taking them for your health and wellbeing, like a person who requires insulin injections.
The Fifth Precept is about taking things that cloud your mind and result in you being unable to see things clearly, and that are harmful for you.
Even IF it was talking about prescription medications, and even IF they were "rules" you HAD to abide by in order to practice Buddhism (rather, they're guidelines that you willingly TRY to follow for your own good), it would be incredibly foolish not to take medication prescribed by your doctor when it's helping you for that reason alone.
agreed.
Yes, I am new to Buddhism as well, and I am currently taking medication for seizures. I would have to agree with the others you should continue to take your medication as prescribed. These drugs will help I used to take similar ones in the past myself for chronic depression. Once the doctor feels that you are ready to stop they will start to ween you off of them slowly but surely. These drugs can have some serious side effects if you all of a sudden stop taking them.
Jeremy
Do no harm to any sentient being.
Therefore, Precept 2 ( take nothing that is not given) would harm the owner, and your reputation of honesty.
The Third precept would harm your physical and moral well-being, if you behave in a sexually unskillful way....
Precept 4 again would tarnish your reputation as someone who might shoot their mouth off, and never utter an honest word - and what about those who lie victims to your loose talk?
Precept 5 - in your case - would certainly cause you a great deal of personal, mental and possibly even physical harm, if you do not look after yourself in the most beneficial way possible.
And if that means taking drugs - consider the harm to you, if you didn't.....
There are, however, two kinds of "drugs". Intoxicants, as mentioned above, and the other which could more aptly be termed "medications."
Medications do not keep you from practicing Buddhism. They often assist with your practice, either by balancing out your mental functions so you can focus, or by keeping you healthy enough to do your practice, or by keeping your body functioning so you are alive to do your practice.
Score: Intoxicants 0, Medications 1 (or 5, or whatever!)
Becoming a Buddhist doesn't require you to do anything. You don't have to give anything up, you don't have to believe anything, you don't have to wear any special clothes, or make any sacred vows. The important thing is just to begin. All the rest will come naturally, in time.
~ AD
I had a bad bi-polar episode that lasted 6 months in 2002 and I would say that it was just an episode and I believe buddhism would help you change your life and that would eventually knit together the two extremes we go to and from in bipolar... BUT I am not a doctor and I don't know what the drug-use did to you...
Also to do anything your mental condition needs to be stable and I have learnt from experience that NOTHING can sort you out if you are already hyper-manic, rapid cycling etc
Sending you all my love
Palzang