Debbie’s Story

After nearly 15 years of daily prescription opiate use, Debbie's health was wrecked. Finding Workit Health gave her a way to recover that fits her life.  

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In this article

When I first found Workit Health, I was addicted to opiates.

I took opiates every day for almost 15 years. I didn’t believe I was an addict simply because I was prescribed them by a doctor.  I found myself watching the clock for when I could take my next dose. It seemed as if they weren’t taking the pain away anymore.

I quit being active or caring about myself. I gained 160 pounds. I had heart disease. I was getting to where I couldn’t take care of myself. I couldn’t even walk anymore! Even though my heart was bad, the doctor said the opiates weren’t the cause. They had no idea what was wrong with me. In my heart, I knew it was the drugs and my addiction and it was killing me.

It was time. I had to make a change.

I was so addicted that I couldn’t tell my doctor and ask for help. I would run out of my medicine and then buy some off the street because the withdrawals were so hard, especially on my heart.

I had a friend who was on Suboxone, and one day they came over. I was having a rough day and I was going through withdrawals. They talked to me about trying Suboxone. I was scared at first because of all the things I had heard, but let me tell you: Suboxone is a miracle! It has made me feel normal. For the first time in a very long time, I felt normal. Drug-free and withdrawal-free. I knew I had to make this happen if I wanted my life back.

My health and relations with my family had deteriorated, and so had my bank account. I knew I wasn’t brave enough to talk to my doctor, so I decided to sabotage my drug test so he’d have to take me off. That’s exactly what I did! When I got home, I immediately went online looking for a doctor that would help me. I found Workit Health.

I couldn’t believe there was a way to do it without actually going in to see a doctor face-to-face!

That was a blessing to me because I have chronic PTSD and extreme panic disorder and anxiety. I knew if I had to go in face-to-face, I’d probably keep buying opiates off the street.

When I first talked to Workit, I told them all of this and they still took me in as a patient. I could tell they really wanted to help me. I’ve now been with Workit Health for over 2 years. Within the first couple of months, I could already feel a difference in my health. So far, I’ve lost 105 pounds and I’m walking a lot more.

I feel like I have a future now, where before I just knew I was going die.

A lot of people I know or have spoken with in Ohio have anxiety or health problems, or even transportation issues that prevent them from seeing a doctor face-to-face. Workit Health is perfect for people like that! For people like me. The doctors are great. The groups are what helped me through the first year. I learned so much going to the groups.

Where I live is very heavy with drugs, and there are a lot of homeless people because of it.  I talk to them about Workit Health, and I hope and pray one day they’ll get the help they need also. I’m also about ready to come off of Suboxone myself. Even if I don’t and I have to take it for the rest of my life, I’m fine with that because it saved my life. I’m so thankful for Workit Health.

Alaine Sepulveda is a content strategist in recovery from alcohol. She believes that engaging people and sharing stories with them allows us to spread knowledge, and to help others in the path to recovery. She holds an MA in Communication Studies from New Mexico State University.

Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice. Workit Health, Inc. and its affiliated professional entities make no representations or warranties and expressly disclaim any and all liability concerning any treatment, action by, or effect on any person following the general information offered or provided within or through the blog, website, or app. If you have specific concerns or a situation arises in which you require medical advice, you should consult with an appropriately trained and qualified medical services provider.

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