NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WMOT) -- Given how bad the opioid epidemic has gotten every Tennessean is likely either fighting addiction, or know someone who is.
WMOT News recently came across a resource you might want to check out.
Brentwood based American Addiction Centers is hosting an addiction themed podcast that’s been downloaded more than 100,000 times. The company now has 12 facilities nationwide. The Center’s Makaila (muh-KEYE-luh) Brooks says they were a little surprised to learn that clients wanted to share their stories.
“There was a greater need than we anticipated for people to share their experiences. It’s actually healing and therapeutic.”
Brooks says there’s a stigma surrounding addiction, and more than a few misconceptions as well.
“These are everyday people. Mothers, fathers, businessmen and women. And that addiction is a disease. It doesn’t discriminate and it reaches everyone and for many people they’ll struggle with it their entire lives.”
Tim is a good case in point. He describes himself in the podcast as a “high functioning” addict who never missed a day of work and made more than $20,000 a month.
“I had enough money that I could support the habit, but I was totally neglecting every other responsibility, but I will tell you I knew I was neglecting those responsibilities and I knew it was wrong but I was powerless to quit the addiction and get my life back on track.”
If you’d like to listen to any one of the 52 currently available stories, browse by the website farfromfinished.us. To learn more about addiction treatment check out americanaddictioncenters.org.