The last aspect, fear of staying out of conventional
treatments, was mentioned by several participants. Even if there are
alternative treatments of interest, they chose conventional ones
because of the perceived risks.
For example, one man told about his use
of conventional drugs for hypertension: I have to. I cannot just let my
blood pressure rise, it’s not good. It could have tremendous consequences,
like a stroke. (D) However, later on in the interview he discussed
the possibility of using natural remedies if it could be done
under safer circumstances: It is difficult to go to a naturopathy store
and try things out on your own. I would be afraid to do that. I could consider
it to be experimental, but under other circumstances, with strict
supervision by doctors.