From ER Doctor to Advocate: Dr. Darryl Gebien's Battle with Fentanyl
The real crisis is the substance abuse crisis.
Ever wondered how an emergency room doctor could end up addicted to fentanyl? In this gripping episode of the Say Know Podcast, host Matt Ingrouille sits down with Dr. Darryl Gebien, who shares his extraordinary journey from medical professional to fentanyl addict and back again. Dr. Gebien's story is a raw and eye-opening account of how easily addiction can take hold, even among those trained to save lives.
As an ER doctor in Ontario, he was prescribed opioids for pain and soon found himself relying on them to cope with deeper psychological issues. His addiction led to a two-year prison sentence for writing prescriptions for himself, but it also ignited a passion for advocacy. Now, Dr. Gebien is on a mission to bring empathy and compassion to the forefront of the opioid crisis.
He talks about the various ways addicts ingest fentanyl, the dangers of fentanyl powder, and why even high-level drug dealers support standardized dosage distribution. He also lays out his vision for tackling the opioid epidemic, emphasizing the need for community and lifestyle changes in recovery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of addiction and the human stories behind the headlines.