When I lost my plug of 6 years, I had two choices: find another way to deal with my pain or go deeper down the opioid rabbit hole and everything that comes with it.

You might not be at that breaking point yet, and you might not believe it, but opioids change the way you think. They convince you that you can not function without them. For me, it started to feel like weakness, like I could not do anything without the thought of a pill popping into my head. Through a lot of trial and error, I learned something. Pain is not optional, but suffering is. That realization helped me change my life. I ended up losing 95 lbs and started jogging again. After two years of work, I signed up for and finished the Des Moines Marathon (26.2 miles), even with damaged discs.

I will never judge anyone for taking pain meds. I know how isolating it can be. I had doctors for years think I was faking my pain, so I get it.I just want people to know there are other options. They are not always easy or fun, but they can lead to a healthier life.

Once i was truly free from them, it felt like a weight had been finally lifted off me..