G.A.M.

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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 lâme
• S.P.M. self-management of psychiatric
  medication
• 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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Whats GAM?

• At the level of the individual
• A process of learning understanding medication
  its effects on all aspects of a persons life.
• A process of questioning ones 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.
• At the collective level
• Integrating this approach in various community
  agencies and hospitals.

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The Steps as outlined in theGuide 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

• 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 planmy
  actorslifeguards10 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 REASONSWhy GAM shouldnt just stay in
Québec!

• 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 persons quality of
  life and not worsen it!
• It gives the different actors a
  non-confrontational, non-judgemental 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.
• Its a collaborative process/alliance of
  different actors.
• Its a transversal approach.
• The expertise of the user (consumer/survivor) is
  recognized.
• Opens up spaces of dialogue around medication and
  suffering.
• Its about true empowerment of the person and
  his/her environment.

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Welcome to the world of GAM

• Céline Cyr
• GAM pioneer ambassador
• celine_cyr_at_sympatico.ca -
• for inquiries GAM course
• www.rrasmq.com - to order GAM guides
• Action on Alternatives
• International RECOVERY Perspectives
• June 5th 6th, 2008 - Toronto