I grew up in a family of five, raised by a strong single mother. She worked hard every day, ensured we had plenty of food on the table, celebrated holidays and got good grades throughout our school years. My mother also suffered from chronic pain her entire life. When I was younger, I didn’t understand her dependency on painkillers or what she needed to get through her workday. My mom passed away when I was 25, and I never understood what she went through until I was diagnosed with debilitating back pain and prescribed opioid painkillers for an extended period. I became dependent on the pain relief, and nothing else seemed to help.
I was top of my class and knew that addiction to narcotic painkillers was a serious and complex issue. An issue that needs a comprehensive and holistic approach, compassion, and understanding. I have my own future family to think about. Although I am still taking prescription painkillers, Segue Clinic has helped me to control my use and provides several supports to assist my recovery. I think about my mother often and wish I had known what she was going through and how to help her.
There is a stigma attached to addiction and opioid use, but look at me, I am employed, have a fiancée, and no one would guess I live with chronic pain. Thank you to Segue Clinic St. Catharines for being caring, compassionate and non-judgmental. You are helping me to reclaim a life without addiction, and I am grateful.