Words Matter: Shifting the Language of Opioid Use Disorder to Support RecoveryAs a doctor specializing in addiction medicine, I’ve seen firsthand how language can shape the experiences of people struggling with opioid use disorder (OUD). Words have the power to either...reactionscomments
Activities That Helped Me Move Toward Positive ChangeOne of the issues I faced in early recovery from opioid use disorder was what to do with myself in my free time. How do I know what I will...reactionscomments
The Parent/Child RelationshipEvery parent/child relationship has its ups and downs. When you factor in the impact of the child struggling with opioid addiction, it often causes fractures in the foundation of that...reactionscomments
When Numbing Turns to Drowning: How Opioids Amplified My Trauma Instead of Healing ItEditor's Note: This article discusses overdose and its impacts, which may be distressing for some readers. If you need support, please reach out to a person you trust or crisis...reactions2comments
3 Pillars of Acceptance in RecoveryDuring my past of substance abuse, there were innumerable external obstacles as well as internal hindrances blocking my path to recovery. Seven total years of addiction, beginning at age 18...reactionscomments
Little Wins That Felt Huge in Early RecoveryDuring early recovery from opioid use disorder, it seems as if the odds are stacked against us. Life is overwhelming, and getting through the day is a huge win within...reactionscomments
A Note to the Chronic Pain Community: We All Deserve Better CareIf you live with chronic pain and feel frustrated, unheard, or even angry about how pain care has changed since the opioid overdose crisis—you’re not alone. As an anesthesiologist and...reactions4comments
There is Power in the RebuildI, unfortunately, dismantled my life with my opioid use disorder. Since surrendering to the recovery process, I have been able to rebuild my life back together differently—better, really. There is...reactionscomments
A Prescription for Death: How Pill Mills Stole My Sister’s LifeEditor's Note: This article discusses overdose and its impacts, which may be distressing for some readers. If you need support, please reach out to a person you trust or crisis...reactionscomments
Your First Appointment for Opioid Addiction: What to ExpectAs an addiction specialist, I've had the honor of guiding many courageous individuals on their journey to recovery from opioid addiction. If you're reading this and considering your first treatment...reactionscomments
What I Wish I Knew Before Starting OUD TreatmentStarting treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) can be one of the scariest endeavors in the recovery process. Although each year hundreds of thousands of people seek treatment for OUD...reactionscomments
Lessons from Losing My Sister to OUDEditor's Note: This article discusses overdose and its impacts, which may be distressing for some readers. If you need support, please reach out to a person you trust or crisis...reactionscomments
Overcoming the Stigma of Medication For Opioid Use DisorderMedication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) is the gold standard for treating opioid use disorder. However, only 11% of people diagnosed with OUD get a prescription for these medications. MOUD...reactionscomments
Tough Love Broke Me, But Love Helped Me HealYou can’t bully a person living with opioid use disorder into choosing recovery. In my case, certain family members went the “tough love” route. This wasn’t effective because nobody could...reactionscomments
National Fentanyl Awareness Day: Knowledge Saves LivesAs an addiction doctor and as a mom, National Fentanyl Awareness Day on April 29th holds deep meaning for me. It’s a day to honor those we’ve lost, support those...reactionscomments
The Art and Science of Treating OUD: A Whole-Person ApproachTreating opioid use disorder (OUD) is like uncovering a gemstone. Detoxification is the first step—dusting off the stone to reveal its potential. Yet, removing the outer layer of dust doesn’t...reactionscomments
You Can Choose Recovery For Someone Other Than YourselfIn my experiences battling opioid use disorder, I have been told, "You cannot stop using for anybody but yourself.” It is widely shared that a person suffering with addiction cannot...reactionscomments
How to Safely Manage Surgery and Medical Treatment While in RecoveryFor people in recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD), managing surgery or medical treatments that involve pain management can feel overwhelming. Concerns about relapse, inadequate pain control, or stigma from...reactionscomments
Pain Leading to Purpose: How I Got Introduced to Harm ReductionEditor's Note: This article discusses overdose and its impacts, which may be distressing for some readers. If you need support, please reach out to a person you trust or crisis...reactionscomments
Narcan Saved a Life: Opioids and HIVEditor's Note 1: This article was written by Quincy Greene and originally appeared on our partner site H-I-V.net.Editor's Note 2: This article discusses overdose and its impacts, which may be...reactionscomments
