Ireland's health services are 'addicted to drugs' when it comes to treating those suffering from mental illness, according to an Irish doctor.

A new study by Dr Michael Watts' claims that a drug-free recovery is possible - even for those suffering from serious conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

He will discuss his new findings at a special conference of the GROW mental health recovery organisation, which takes place today at TCD.

Of the 26 subjects interviewed in the study, just under half had in the past been diagnosed with 'lifelong' conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Other diagnoses included chronic depression, personality disorder, anorexia nervosa and acute anxiety. Over 60% had been hospitalised between one and ten times and all 26 had been prescribed medication.

"Having being treated within traditional psychiatric services, these people then sought mutual help through the GROW organisation which uses a '12 Steps' programme alongside peer community support as a path to recovery."

GROW works on the basis that 'mental illness' is facilitated through learned habits of thinking and acting which can also be unlearned, Dr Watts said.

As a result of the mutual help approach, 16 of the 26 had now stopped taking medication altogether and ten had reduced their levels of medication significantly.

Only four of the ten who suffered from more serious disorders such as bipolar or schizophrenia were still taking any medication, albeit in reduced amounts, according to Dr Watts.

"The experiences outlined in this study provide a description of recovery that differs dramatically from the medical view. Within this version, people can recover even from severe forms of 'mental illness'".

The findings highlight the importance of peer support and mutual help in peoples recovery journey and challenge us to consider the appropriate use of medication and the nature of recovery, said Dr Watts.

He said  Ireland's health system has become far too accustomed to falling back on drugs as a way of treating 'mental illness'

The conference is being supported by the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Trinity College and the Mental Health Commission.