“I was given my first opioid when I was fourteen years old in conjunction with an emergency abdominal surgery. Taking this medication in an effort to save my life caused more pain than I could have imagined and ended up literally taking my life, twice.

As my opioid use disorder (OUD) progressed, the negative consequences began to amass. My children were removed from my custody and split up. I was disciplined by the New Jersey Supreme Court and consented to permanent disbarment. My driving privileges were taken and I was involuntary committed to various psychiatric wards, which involved being held in four-point restraints. I suffered serious, life lasting health impacts including a traumatic brain injury. I overdosed twice and was revived with Narcan.

These consequences did not reverse the changes to the structure or functioning of my brain, including the circuits involved in pleasure, and the damage to my limbic system. These neurological changes made the consequences not only futile, but cruel, and painful. It wasn’t until I received evidence-based psychiatric care and treatment that I began to get well. I continue to work on my overall health and the trauma I experienced through the punitive system. Today, I am a productive member of society, a counselor, an employee, an advocate, and, most importantly, a mother to my four children.”