Glenn's Battle: From Pain Medication to Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome
The worst part about the post-acute withdrawal syndrome is that people that I knew close to me, even family, thought that I was back on the pain medication and I would tell them: hey, look at, you can watch me, you can monitor me, I am not taking anything, but this is what's happening and I understand that this is one of the most powerful things to get off of.
Glenn's story is one that resonates with many. After sustaining an injury, he was prescribed pain medication—a common scenario that spiraled into a substance abuse problem. In this episode of 'Drug Diversion Insights', host Terri Vidals sits down with Glenn, an esteemed veteran, to discuss his tumultuous journey through addiction and recovery. Glenn opens up about the initial relief the medication brought him, only for it to lead to a dark path of dependency.
His tale takes us through the early days of feeling invincible to the harsh reality of post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). This condition, often overlooked, presents a series of challenges that can make recovery feel like an uphill battle. Glenn shares the physical and emotional toll PAWS took on him, emphasizing the critical role of peer support and family understanding in his recovery process.
He also touches on the misconceptions surrounding addiction, shedding light on the stigma that often accompanies it. The episode doesn't shy away from discussing the opioid crisis and the role medications like Suboxone can play in recovery. Glenn's candidness offers a raw and real perspective on what it takes to overcome addiction. Terri and Glenn highlight the importance of finding personalized solutions for recovery and the need to combat the stigma around addiction.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the complexities of addiction and the resilience required to overcome it.