Me, I am the last person who would ever develop an “addiction”. I never drank much in college, never took or felt the need to experiment with hard drugs. However, a few years into the practice of medicine, I got involved in a toxic relationship and in a moment of weakness, took a sample hydrocodone that had been in my medicine cabinet for years. I did not take it for physical pain, but for emotional pain and you know what, it worked. A little too well. I was amazed at how all of my problems just vanished. I was then off to the races. I tried the geographic cure, but we all know that doesn’t work. I brought my problems with me during my move, and my addiction as well. Eventually, I got caught and was sent to the PAP of my state where they tried to protect me from board action, but I was not ready and needed to hit my bottom, which I eventually did and a consent order later, I finally was able to get sober. At first it is difficult knowing that this information is out there for anyone and everyone to see, patients, employers, family, but I found humility at that time and have repaired all of my relationships. I was able to advance my career to a point where I never thought that I could be. My work is highly respected and sought out by many patients and employers now and have over 15 years sober. I credit my state PAP, friends, the AOAAM, and family (as well as the 12 steps) to helping me achieve over 15 years of sobriety. I’ve learned that life will throw adversity at all of us, several times throughout our lives, but you have to keep going no matter what.