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...reactionscomments
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
Finding a Support Person for Doctor AppointmentsPeople with chronic health conditions like opioid use disorder often face complex treatment plans and multiple doctor visits. That is why medical experts often recommend you bring someone with you...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
Real Talk: The Realities of Opioid Use DisorderLiving with opioid use disorder can mean facing struggles that most people never see. In this three-part series, Nathan Smiddy and Natalee King share their personal journeys, offering an unfiltered...reactionscomments
The US Opioid Overdose Epidemic: The History to TodayDrug overdoses have been with us as long as drugs have existed. But the United States had a dramatic increase in overdose deaths beginning in the early 2000s. In fact...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
Access to Treatment: Insurance and Other BarriersThere are many treatments that are effective in helping people with opioid use disorder (OUD). These include prescription medicines, community needle exchanges, and inpatient or outpatient programs. Although there are...reactionscomments
Talking Openly About Opioids and Addiction: A Guide for Families, Schools, and CommunitiesAs a doctor, and as someone who grew up with an addicted parent, I’ve seen firsthand how silence around addiction harms families and communities. Open, honest dialogue is essential for...reactionscomments
