Growing up in Central Ohio, Mike* was focused on school work and sports.  At the age of 17, Mike sustained a back injury while playing football.  He spent months in a brace and participated in physical therapy to regain his strength.  At the time, he was not offered an opioid-based pain medication.  Mike knew little about substance use.  He felt as though he were living in a protective bubble with few temptations and little opportunity to participate in such risky behaviors.  

Attending college offered more freedom and enticements which led Mike to begin experimenting with drinking and recreational drug use.  He felt using substances was a form of entertainment and not harmful to his overall goals.  He did not believe that he suffered from a substance use disorder.  However, in his senior year of college, Mike again injured his back and was able to obtain a prescription for pain medicine.  He soon became addicted to the opioid.

“Pill mills were rampant back then making opioids readily available.  It did not take much to find a physician willing to prescribe pain medication.  It seemed like everyone had a prescription,” Mike shared.  “After I was able to receive a script, I was off and running.”

Mike graduated college and was preparing to begin his career in the fall.  While living at home, he was spending a good deal of money on pain medication and alcohol.  When asked by his parents about his spending and activities, Mike was able to maneuver around the subject and avoid answering their questions.  He tried several times over a four to five month period to stop using opioids, but the withdrawal symptoms and illness caused him too much discomfort, and he would take the pills to end his suffering.

As his father became more suspicious about Mike’s change in character and spending habits, he decided to search his room while he was out.  His parents discovered a stash of pills.  The couple decided an intervention was necessary and when Mike returned home, they confronted him.  “My dad made it clear that I had to stop using drugs or I would not be joining him in the family business.  I would have to find work elsewhere,” Mike said.  “My mom insisted that I call my family physician as soon as possible and find an appropriate rehabilitation program.” 

After discussing his addiction with his primary care provider, which happened to be the pediatrician he had visited since his childhood, the physician recommended he seek inpatient treatment at Shepherd Hill.  “My physician said Shepherd Hill had the best addiction services available, and that he had personally known people who found success in overcoming their own addictions through the programs offered.”

Mike spent 94 days at Shepherd Hill undergoing intensive therapy including detoxification.  During the first few weeks of the program, Mike felt he did not belong in a rehabilitation facility.  He envisioned his counselors and nurses as parole officers, keeping him imprisoned for minor offenses.  However, as he began to realize the damage and hazards of substance use, Mike accepted the assistance offered and understood that the staff at Shepherd Hill were allies, not jailers.  

“I still keep in touch with the nurses and counselors including Eric Hockenberry, B.S.N., R.N., and Michelle Gilbert, B.S.N., R.N.  They were a godsend to me, and assisted in building a foundation of coping skills to replace my dependence on opioids and other substances,” Mike remembered.  “Richard N. Whitney, M.D., played a very large part in my recovery as well.  He evaluated me often and knew I was not ready to leave the facility after just 30 days.”  Dr. Whitney served as the Medical Director of Addiction Services for 17 years before retiring in 2018.

While participating in the program, Mike witnessed several people smoking outside, and felt compelled to join them.  He had never smoked before, but thought maybe the nicotine would assist in alleviating some of his discomfort.  One of his counselors saw Mike smoking and immediately approached him.  She explained to him that the program was meant to assist in eliminating the need for all addictive substances including nicotine and caffeine and strongly suggested that he work toward following the program as closely as possible.

“Dr. Whitney was right to insist that I stay at Shepherd Hill,” Mike said.  “At first, I felt as though I did not belong in the facility, and I was not fully prepared to follow the program.  I was actually very upset when the staff member crushed out the cigarette I had been smoking and told me it was not good for me.  It took time for my brain to heal, to accept the assistance, and start building the coping mechanisms that I needed to battle the addiction.”

Since September 1, 2012, Mike has been drug- and alcohol-free.  He now serves as a sponsor to others participating in rehabilitation programs at Shepherd Hill.  As part of his aftercare, Mike visited Shepherd Hill often to continue his counseling and recovery.  Even after 10 years, he still visits the facility at least once a quarter.  Listening to others share their struggles assists Mike to stay focused on his own goals and not to take his recovery for granted.

Mike highly recommends the programs at Shepherd Hill and appreciates the staff including the medical director, W. Andrew Highberger, M.D.  He is grateful that his parents intervened and insisted that he receive assistance in controlling his substance use disorder.  Mike has found much success working for the family business, and enjoys mentoring others through their own recovery journey.  

*Mike is not the patient’s real name.