At a glance
David misused prescription opioids after multiple knee surgeries. He found hope and support in recovery from opioid use disorder.
David's story
David founded a multimillion-dollar brokerage firm, managed 75 employees, and was happily married. At age 39, David was prescribed opioids to manage pain from several knee surgeries. Although David had a history of excessive alcohol use and cocaine use and had even completed treatment for substance use, he wasn't aware of the addictive properties of prescription opioids. In a matter of weeks, David was addicted and found himself taking 120 milligrams a day, which was far more than he was prescribed. When David could no longer get a prescription for opioids, he turned to heroin, and from there his life spiraled out of control. He bankrupted his brokerage firm, lost his wife to divorce, and was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison.
David found recovery and dedicated his career to working as an interventionist and certified recovery coach. He advocated for Minnesota's first opioid stewardship bill, which provides funding for local prevention, education, and treatment efforts. David wanted to help others recognize that recovery is a process, not a quick fix, noting that, "hope is possible – you don't need to keep going by yourself."
David died in February 2023 at the age of 63.
Resources
David's daughter, Sophie, shares her story. She shares how offering support to your loved ones who are struggling can be both empowering for them and yourself.
CDC'S Overdose Prevention Website
Learn more about opioid misuse and overdose, data, and prevention resources.
Videos
Radio Spots
To save a sound file, right-mouse-click on the link and select "Save Target As ..." or "Save Link As..."
Downloadable Social Media
