Recovering from opioid addiction has forever shaped the way I move through life and manage my pain.

My addiction started unexpectedly, kicked off by a simple prescription for migraines during pregnancy. One medication was replaced by hydrocodone at my OB/GYN’s request, but despite a family history of addiction, I had no idea what effects opioids could have on me. After giving birth, hydrocodone turned to additional substance use before I finally found sobriety.

Nearly five years into recovery, carpal tunnel surgery forced me to confront pain management yet again. I disclosed my history of addiction and asked for alternatives — anything but opioids — to protect the hard work I’d put into staying sober.  I trusted my physician, but an opioid was still prescribed- one that I was unfamiliar with, and one he thought would be safe for me, but within three days, I felt the grip of addiction tighten.

It took me another year to recover. Looking back, I wish both my doctor, and I had done our research; it’s up to both the patient and doctor to advocate for the right treatment plan. While opioids can have a role to play for many in pain management, it should never have been the only option for someone with my history, and my trust made me vulnerable.

Last spring, a toothache sent me to the hospital in agony, facing swelling so severely I needed urgent help. Again, I disclosed my addiction, hoping to avoid the same cycle. I found myself advocating for non-opioid options again. The only alternative offered was over-the-counter medication, which dulled nothing. Left without safe options, I endured the pain, just as I do with the migraines that continue to plague me.

It hurts that the healthcare system still seems unprepared to help recovering addicts manage pain. Every misstep — a careless prescription, an ignored disclosure — is a risk to my recovery. There’s responsibility on both sides, and I’m heartened that with new innovations there are now more treatment options.

In light of this progress, I hope that no more patients will feel abandoned by a system that doesn’t offer safe alternatives. Every patient should have the opportunity to consider the full suite of acute pain treatment options, including non-opioids and other therapies like acupuncture. Until that changes, pain remains a battle too many must fight alone.