Treating addiction: Rewriting patients ’ country songs

Jimmy spent 10 years on the street chasing oxys and heroin. He lost his family and friends after lying and stealing. He lost his truck when the bank repossessed it. He lost his four-year-old son to the Department of Child Protective services. His life was like a country song. Now a member of our suboxone group, Jimmy has two years of sobriety under his belt, he is enrolled at the local community college, and coaches his son’s soccer team.  It was his turn to check in and share with the group how his week went. “Well,” he began in his calm, melodic voice, staring at his hands as he talked. “Me and my son were going to Burger King the other day. We got out of my truck, and this homeless guy came up to us, a bit older than me and very grubby. He asked me for some money so he could get food. I nodded at him, and me and my eight-year-old son walked into Burger King. As we were walking in, a man opened the door for us and said, ‘You know, that guy just wants money for drugs.’” Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Physician Pain management Source Type: blogs