C Michael Patton
C. Michael Patton is the primary contributor to the Parchment and Pen/Credo Blog. He has been in ministry for nearly twenty years as a pastor, author, speaker, and blogger.
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Th.M. Dallas Theological Seminary (2001), president of Credo House Ministries and Credo Courses, author of Now that I'm a Christian (Crossway, 2014) Increase My Faith (Credo House, 2011), and The Theology Program (Reclaiming the Mind Ministries, 2001-2006), host of Theology Unplugged, and primary blogger here at Parchment and Pen. But, most importantly, husband to a beautiful wife and father to four awesome children. Michael is available for speaking engagements.
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3 replies to "My Addiction Six Years Later"
Michael “addiction” to narcotics
As “we”—your friends, students of theology whom you have taught and continue to teach, and your family, approach the six-year anniversary of your journey through adversity. I wanted to take a moment to reflect with you and offer some words of encouragement. Your path has been marked by immense challenges, and it’s important to bring a proper perspective to these challenges. Namely, they are not entirely your failures; they are the result of a complex interplay of personal struggles, failures within the medical system, and the unpredictability of life.
First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the profound losses you’ve endured, especially the heartbreaking loss of your sister and dad and the difficult circumstances surrounding with your mom. I can only assume a ruptured aneurysm leaving her unable to care for herself. The pain of these experiences is immeasurable, and they undoubtedly left scars on your heart. Your strength in navigating those losses is a testament to your resilience.
Your back surgery, undertaken in the hope of alleviating your physical pain, brought with it a set of unexpected challenges. You found yourself caught in a web of narcotic medication which you stated “addicted”. This is not a reflection of your character but rather a consequence of a medical system that often prioritizes symptom management over comprehensive care. You were let down by a system that should have offered you alternatives and solutions to address the root causes of your pain. How?
1.Medical system failures:
• Overreliance on medication: One of the systemic issues is the medical system’s tendency to rely heavily on medication, particularly opioids, for managing chronic pain. This often happens due to time constraints, financial incentives, and a lack of comprehensive pain management programs.
• Lack of Holistic approach: The medical system frequently focuses on symptom management rather than addressing the root causes of chronic pain. Instead of looking at the whole person, healthcare providers may prescribe pain medications as a quick fix.
• Inadequate pain assessment: Chronic pain is complex and varies from person to person. The medical system sometimes fails to conduct thorough pain assessments, leading to misdiagnosis or inadequate treatment plans.
• Insufficient referrals: Many healthcare providers may not refer patients to chronic pain specialist who can offer alternative treatments. For example, physical therapist, chiropractors, or pain management clinics may not be utilized as often as they should be.
2. Comprehensive Pain Management Approach:
* Multidisciplinary team: To address the root cause of your pain, a multidisciplinary approach is essential. This includes not only pain management doctors but also physical therapists, counselors specializing in pain management, and even, yes even nutritionists, as dietary choices can affect pain levels.
* Counseling for pain management: Here you Michael, they can help you cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of chronic pain. They provide strategies for managing pain-related stress and anxiety
* Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback, physical therapy can be effective in managing your chronic pain.
* The big medical failure is: A comprehensive evaluation should have been conducted to identify the underlying cause(s) of your pain. This may involve imaging, diagnostic testing or consultations with specialists.
Distinguishing: Addiction, Dependence and Withdrawal (I am not going to talk about Tolerance)
Dependence with opioids:
Hypothetically, Eric began taking opioids—dilaudid which will bind with mu-opioid receptors in brain and spinal cord. These receptors are part of the body’s endogenous pain control system, and when activated by opioids, they can effectively block pain signals and release large amounts of dopamine associated with pleasure, reward and euphoria. Over consistent use the brain will rely on the drug to produce dopamine and reduce the production of endogenous opioids—our body produces natural painkillers. Our body always seeks to maintain a balanced, internal state. When a foreign substances like opioids are introduced regularly, the body adapts to their presence. Eric’s body see the presence of dilaudid as “new normal.” The problem is that baseline pain threshold may shift. This means that sensations or minor injuries that might not have caused Eric any problem now become painful in the presence of this opioid-induced state. Medically known as hyperalgesia. Now, as the body recognizes the depressive effects of opioids like slowed breathing, sedation, it might ramp up certain functions to compensate, leading to increased sensitivity in certain neural pathways or upregulate certain receptors. Over time, as the drug is metabolized and removed from Eric’s system, his body starts to anticipate the next dose to maintain this “new normal.” If it doesn’t, the body reacts with various symptoms indicating its reliance on the drug—the beginning of withdrawal.
Why am I going into details? It is crucial to understand that this physiological response is natural and doesn’t indicate a moral failing, rather, a testament to the body’s ability to adapt and seek balance. It also reveals how you have been MISMANAGED by the medical system.
Withdrawal:
After weeks on opioids, Eric attempted to stop taking the opioids, as he felt his pain had reduced. However, upon stopping, he began to experience withdrawal symptoms: increased pain sensitivity, flu-like symptoms, mood swings, and insomnia. This is the way the body response to the sudden absence of a substance it had grown dependent on. The heightened pain sensitivity might cause Eric to continue taking the medication jus to prevent the distressing amplified pain, even if he no longer requires it for the original pain from the surgery
Addiction:
With time, Eric started using the opioids not just to manage his post-surgical pain or to avoid withdrawal symptoms but began to crave the sense of relaxation and euphoria they provided. He might begin taking more than his prescribed dose to chase that feeling. Socially, he might start withdrawing from family and friends, his duties or way he go about doing his job would likely be suboptimal, or even neglect his daily responsibilities. This behavioral shift, driven by a desire for the emotional and mental effects of the drug, despite being aware of potential harm or negative consequences, signals addiction. The core of addiction: Behavior change and the compulsive need for the drug, beyond just the physical pain relief or avoidance of withdrawal symptoms.
At Practical Level in Differentiating Dependence and Addiction.
a) Taking the drug more frequently or in higher doses, not because of increased pain, but to achieve a euphoric feeling.
b) Might neglect his responsibilities or does a very poor job at it when he usually is good at.
c) When friends and family voice their concern— a person who is dependent on drugs are more open to discussion and solutions, while someone with addiction might become defensive, dismissive, or even aggressive.
d) Eric might go to great lengths to acquire mor of the drug, even through illegal means or at the cost of personal relationship and financial stability.
(Just a few examples to help sort this complex behavior)
As you stand at this six-year mark, it’s essential to recognize that you have not failed as I pointed out above. You’ve endured hardships and trials that many would find insurmountable. Your perseverance under these circumstances is a testament to your inner strength and determination. The fact that you’ve sought to have a “pod cast” shows that you seek and is committed to finding a way forward.
Moving forward from here, I encourage you to embrace a holistic approach to healing and well-being. Here are some recommendations to take back control of your narrative and your health.
1. Self-care: You are currently by fasting, nutrition and exercise and a good night rest. Don’t forget meditation which is another topic itself, and finding activities that bring out the “Hedonistic Christian” side of you, as advocated by John Piper.
2. Address emotional healing: Which you are doing with pod cast and your blogs.
3. Support network: Surround yourself with support network of friends and loved ones who can provide emotional support and encouragement along your journey.
4. Comprehensive pain management: As stated above.
Fundamentally, this isn’t about any moral or ethical failing on your part. Rather, it stems from lapses and mismanagement within the healthcare system that precipitated this sequence of challenges.
So, my FAT theologian (Faithfully Adapting and Thriving), may God continue to bless you, your family and your endeavor.
Haha. That last paragraph made me laugh out loud!
I want her to know so much! How are you? So encouraging? Thank you so much. I cannot believe how much time you put in to the statement that is incredibly uplifting to me in so many ways. Thank you.
You have become the grandmaster of turning this FAT theologian (Faithfully Adapting and Thriving) into a shade of red that’d make a theological orange wonder. If it’s been missing out on the fun! Even my “Theology Program course series” is looking enviously at our divine comedic chemistry. I am doing well, my fellow FAT theologian! It’s like we’ve embarked on an epic theology-themed stand-up journey, and I’ve got front-row tickets for every hilarious episode. As for the time I invested in crafting that piece, let’s just say I’m on a quest to become the Shakespeare of theological humor. Who need sleep when you can be the theologian of laughter, right? Remember, my partner in divine comedy, we’re riding this theological rollercoaster together, one hearty laugh and one profound insight at a time. Sending you oceans of joys, tidal waves of laughter, and a heavenly dose of humor!