When I meet strangers, and they ask what I do for a living, the conversation tends to go something like this: I tell them I’m a physician. They ask what type. I say that I am a general internist, but I focus mainly on addiction…addiction to prescription opioids (painkillers) and heroin. Invariably, people will say something like, “This has become such a big problem.” I agree, but then they will emphatically state that it has become a really big problem, as if opioid addiction is anew phenomenon.
These new acquaintances will then disclose that close friends, family members or they themselves are struggling with addiction. Often they dive into details about the challenges and difficulties their loved ones or they have faced.
This combination of me being an outsider and a doctor with addiction expertise creates a special situation: a safe space in which strangers pour out personal and intimate stories. I listen, empathize and provide nonjudgmental support and encouragement. Then we go our separate ways.
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