The Coleman Institute Blog

When we talk about recovery and the interpersonal dynamics that often occur in relationships, “enabling” is the dirty word no one wants to hear. But what is enabling? How do we know when we’re loving someone too much? And once we can recognize it, how do we stop it?

If you get a chance to watch the Netflix documentary film Recovery Boys, please do so. I attended a screening of the film at Studio Two Three in Richmond last night with Dr. Coleman and my nurse practitioner colleague, Lauren Farnsworth, to a pretty full audience. The filmmaker, Elaine McMillion Sheldon, was available afterward to talk and answer questions.

People in recovery deserve a lot of praise. The best gift that you can give someone in recovery is acknowledgment; an acknowledgement of how hard they have worked, how much they have changed, and how proud of them you are. If you didn't know, those in recovery call their recovery dates birthdays, so having that date in your calendar is really thoughtful as well.

I was moved to write a letter to a patient who completed an Accelerated Opioid Detox off Methadone last week. She is in the Post Acute Withdrawal (PAWS) stage, which can be very challenging. I have changed the name of the patient, but wanted to share the sentiments with you—or a loved one—who might be considering life without opioids, but are fearful of taking the plunge.

It is absolutely possible to stop using opioids and enjoy recovery. In fact, it is simple. It just may not be easy. Over the years working as a medical professional in the field of Substance Use Disorders (SUD), I have enjoyed poignant and memorable conversations with hundreds of patients who have shared recovery experiences. (more…)