Help is just around the corner
Contributed by Forrest Arthur, MD, CAP
As if balancing work, family needs and financial requirements wasn’t already stressful enough, the COVID-19 pandemic has added tremendous pressure, and many people are finding themselves overwhelmed. We’ve witnessed tragedy and loss of life on a scale we weren’t prepared for. Many are facing mounting mental health challenges as a result. As many people are aware, our society was already facing a major opioid pain pill epidemic, which has resulted in significant misery and loss of life. Unfortunately, when you add in the stresses of the current pandemic, this perfect storm puts people at an even higher risk of developing a substance use disorder. I know because I’ve been
14 OCTOBER 2021
there. Thanks to chronic back pain, coupled with the stress of running a busy surgical practice, I turned to opioids to selfmedicate. When my usage got out of control, I knew I needed help, but I was afraid — afraid of what my family and friends would think, afraid of losing my job and everything I’d worked so hard for. The shame was overwhelming. In hindsight, I should have been more afraid of the mounting personal, professional and financial consequences I would face if my addiction continued unchecked. Not to mention the possible legal consequences. But I was fortunate; I learned that there are actually many affordable and confidential ways to get critically needed help, which can save lives, protect jobs and mend relationships. After finding my recovery and training in Addiction Medicine, I have spent the last
10 years working to help those suffering from addiction. Here are some important points I have learned: You don’t have it under control. The first mistake, which I have made myself and heard so many others make, is believing that you can stop on your own. This is a dangerous, false assumption which has cost countless lives. Addiction is a process which involves areas of the brain over which people do not have complete control. Even if one can stop for a period of time, they almost always go back to using the substance. It’s like holding your breath; you can do that for a little while if you want to, but eventually your brain makes you breathe! The consequences of not getting help are almost universally worse. I was terribly afraid for someone to find out I was addicted to opioids. But
the consequences of not getting help are much worse. People don’t usually intend to die from an overdose, but it happens all the time. Even if you do survive, without help to find a sustained recovery, the end result will be loss of family, loss of job, financial devastation and possible arrest. There are programs just for you. More often than not, substance abuse treatment is not what the person expects. It is confidential and full of people from all walks of life. And there are many levels of care, including some which are done from home. Lastly, it does not need to be overly costly, and is frequently covered by insurance. The final message is this: there’s no shame in admitting you need help. There are systems in place to help you save your life, your family and your job. Get help before it goes too far! Forrest Arthur, MD, CAP is
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