In order to tone and build muscle, many of us test the limits of our strength in the weight room. But after a particularly risky lifting session that changed the course of his life, John Friend will tell you that he is actually lucky to be alive.

It all began after John threw his back out while lifting weights during his freshman year of college. He was prescribed opioid painkillers and shortly after found himself dependent on the very medicine used to relieve his pain. For the next four years, John says that opioid dependence took precedence over nearly everything else in his life, leaving him in poor health and unable to reach the educational or financial goals he once had for himself. John knew it was time to chart a different course and began to work with a doctor to develop an individualized treatment plan that included taking SUBOXONE^® Sublingual Film (CIII) in combination with counseling and psychosocial support.

In 2012, opioid prescription painkillers were the second most abused illicit drug and four times as many people were dependent on painkillers than heroin. Even though opioid dependence is a chronic disease, it is often misunderstood.

John has partnered with addiction specialist, Dr. Adam Rubinstein, North Shore University Healthcare and Medical Director of the Behavioral Health Service Line, Advocate Healthcare, to raise awareness about the dangers of painkiller addiction, particularly opioid dependence. During a recent phone interview, John shared his recovery journey, and both he and Dr. Rubinstein shared the dangers of painkiller addiction, and also offered advice for others on what to do and where to turn to for help.

 

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 You can learn more information about the dangers of painkiller addiction Here.

Dangers of Painkiller Addiction