Breaking Free From Opioids && Why The Western Medical System is Broken
For the better part of a decade, I was prescribed more than 100mg of morphine-equivalent opioid medication every day:
- 40–60mg oxycodone — equivalent in strength to heroin, 1.5x stronger than morphine
- 240mg codeine
- Plus other non-narcotic medications
All doctor’s orders. At times, it felt less like medical care and more like sanctioned drug pushing.
How it started
This all started after a non-union first rib fracture led to thoracic outlet syndrome in 2015 (and countless accidents/injuries following). In big cities, doctors don’t have the time to build strong, trusting relationships with patients — and that lack of care left me dependent on pills. Initially they were effective but as tolerance and dependence builds, they made my quality of life a lot worse.
The turning point
Moving back to New Zealand changed everything. I’ve been working with a doctor who actually listens, and with their support I tapered off completely. No more of the poppy. I’ve been almost completely opioid-free two months — and the wild part? I have less pain than I did when I was on the meds.
What works instead
- Movement (walking, stretching, physio)
- Sunlight
- Nutritious food
- Supplements
- Meditation/mindfulness
- Gratitude
- Medical cannabis (where you can access it or just hit the local tinny house)
- Non-narcotic pharmaceuticals (if needed)
The takeaway
This experience has made one thing crystal clear: the Sacklers and the system that enabled them caused untold harm. Pills aren’t the only answer — and for many of us, they make things worse.
Keep it green. Move your body. And whenever possible: ditch the pills.