A Surgeons Addiction : Brett’s Story

A Surgeons Addiction : Brett’s Story

In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read welcomes Brett Cortez, a retired physician whose life was profoundly affected by opiate addiction. Brett shares his compelling journey from a successful medical career to grappling with addiction, highlighting pivotal moments that led to his struggles and eventual recovery. The conversation delves into Brett's experiences in rehab, where he found common ground with others facing similar challenges.

Despite the diverse backgrounds of those in rehab, Brett recounts the camaraderie and understanding he found amongst peers. Brett's addiction journey began unexpectedly during his demanding career as an ear, nose, and throat physician and surgeon. He describes how casual experimentation led to dependency, eventually disrupting his professional reputation and personal life. Through candid reflections, Brett emphasizes the importance of willingness in recovery and the role of a higher power in fostering healing.

He details how he had to practice willingness, nurturing his relationship with a higher power to trust in the recovery process. Keegan and Brett discuss the significance of community support in recovery. Brett highlights the ongoing connections with individuals from his first rehab stint, underscoring the importance of celebrating small victories and maintaining relationships that foster healing.

Contrary to the belief that people may not care about one's recovery, Brett insists that the support from local AA groups and rehab communities is invaluable. The episode also touches on the misconceptions surrounding pharmaceuticals, with Brett acknowledging the dangers of prescription drug addiction. He shares his gratitude for surviving a potentially life-threatening situation, noting the importance of living amends and self-care as indicators of recovery.

As the conversation concludes, Brett expresses optimism about future discussions on recovery topics, emphasizing that relapse is not inevitable and can be managed through abstinence and a structured recovery program. Keegan invites listeners to stay connected for more insightful episodes, highlighting the importance of mental health support and community engagement. Overall, this episode provides a thoughtful exploration of addiction, recovery, and the transformative power of community and spiritual relationships.