A tale of two opioid addicts
There’s no disputing that the opioid crisis has become a public health emergency in the United States. And not a day goes by when health care providers don’t encounter some aspect of this epidemic. Far too often, the mention of addiction spurns images of homelessness, back-alley deals and crime. While that can certainly be the case, addiction is an “equal-opportunity employer.” Allow me to share two true stories that illustrate varying ways opioid addiction is encountered by health care providers.
The cyclist
“John” was a 40-year-old, athletic, easygoing bicyclist I met after he had been hospitalized with complications of opioid abuse. He had a long history of addiction during his 20s, characterized by a divorce he didn’t want and the inability to play a role in the life of his young son. After losing his job and being incarcerated for a short time, he finally hit rock bottom. Through the help of friends and counselors, he pulled himself out of the pit in which he was living. After a short stint in a halfway house, he found gainful employment and was able to remarry. During most of his 30s, he lived a happy, productive and sober life.
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Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: General Medicine Authors: < a href="https://www.kevinmd.com/blog/post-author/kevin-tolliver" rel="tag" > Kevin Tolliver, MD, MBA < /a > Tags: Conditions Pain Management Source Type: blogs
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