Description

Summary
In this episode of Retrieving Sanity, host Keegan Read speaks with Brett Cortez, a retired physician whose life was dramatically altered by opiate addiction. Brett shares his journey from a successful medical career to the depths of addiction, detailing the pivotal moments that led to his struggles and eventual recovery. The conversation explores themes of personal experience, the impact of addiction, the importance of willingness in recovery, and the role of a higher power in the healing process. In this episode, Keegan and Brett delve into the complexities of recovery from addiction, discussing the importance of sponsorship, the nature of addiction as a choice versus a circumstance, and the significance of community support. They share personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges and lessons learned throughout their journeys, emphasizing the need to avoid the first drink and recognizing addictive behaviors. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding addiction compared to other illnesses, and the importance of building supportive relationships in recovery. Brett shares valuable insights and wisdom from his experiences, reinforcing the idea that recovery is a continuous journey that requires self-awareness and community support.takeaways

• Brett found common ground with others in rehab.
• His upbringing emphasized academics and achievement.
• A cancer diagnosis led him to pursue medicine.
• Opiates were first introduced during his cancer treatment.
• Boredom became a significant trigger for his addiction.
• He began stealing medication from patients.
• Recovery started after a 90-day rehab stint.
• The gift of desperation is crucial for recovery.
• Willingness is essential for making progress in recovery.
• Building a relationship with a higher power is important. Working with a sponsor is a personal relationship.
• Addiction is not a choice; it's a disease.
• Avoiding the first drink is crucial in recovery.
• Personal experiences shape our understanding of addiction.
• Stigma around addiction differs from other illnesses.
• Community support is vital for recovery.
• Friendships can change during recovery.
• Addiction is often viewed as a moral failing.
• Recognizing addictive behaviors is essential.
• Recovery requires ongoing self-awareness and support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Addiction Recovery

02:59 Brett's Journey: From Surgeon to Addiction

05:56 The Impact of Opiates on Brett's Life

08:57 Boredom and Triggers in Addiction

11:55 The Downward Spiral of Addiction

15:01 Recovery Begins: The Role of Rehab

18:13 The Gift of Desperation and Willingness

20:56 Practicing Willingness and Building Trust

23:59 The Importance of a Higher Power

25:33 The Role of Sponsorship in Recovery

28:09 Understanding Addiction: Choice vs. Circumstance

29:46 The Importance of Avoiding the First Drink

33:15 Personal Anecdotes and Lessons Learned

37:19 The Stigma of Addiction vs. Other Illnesses

40:15 Building a Supportive Recovery Community

43:00 Friendships and Relationships in Recovery

45:08 The Moral Perspective on Addiction

51:27 Recognizing Addictive Behaviors

57:22 Wisdom from Recovery Experiences

#addiction #recovery #addictionrecovery #opiate #drugs #alcoholism #desperatation #cancer #fight #onedayatatime

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

Be sure to check out Retrievingsanity.com for all past guest resources!Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast

Call 988 if you are experiencing ANY mental crisis!

Want to be a guest on Retrieving Sanity: A Mental Health Podcast? Send Keegan Read a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/retrievingsanitypodcast