Only one person on the task force was a recovered mental patient. The task force suggests the use of legislated force or coercion to get people to take psychiatric drugs. It is wrong to propose a set of rules that support force and coercion. Force blocks recovery and destroys the trust that is the cornerstone of recovery. Force creates fear and dependency, not recovery.
Force violates our rights, is costly and diverts money from recovery-oriented services.
Individuals must be taught ways of coping that will work for them. Some may take psychiatric medication. Others may choose meditation, stress-reducing techniques, vitamin therapy or other forms of holistic health practices. There are cost-effective and proven ways to help people without resorting to the use of force or coercion. Peer support has been successful in helping people learn to take personal responsibility for their lives and to thrive successfully in the community.