In the heart of America, the opioid epidemic continues to surge, claiming lives and livelihoods with an unrelenting grip. While many believe that addiction stems from illicit drug use, a significant portion of opioid addictions actually begin with a prescription from a doctor. This troubling reality is exemplified by the experiences of Dr. Jeffrey Fraser, a family practice physician from Lincoln, Nebraska, who found himself ensnared in the very crisis he was trained to combat.

A doctor’s descent into addiction

Dr. Jeffrey Fraser, a respected physician, saw his life unravel after a cancer diagnosis required radiation therapy, which led to a prescription for opioids to manage his pain. “Because of my radiation therapy, my testosterone level was dramatically down to 46,” Fraser recalls. Initially, the hydrocodone was a godsend, alleviating his severe discomfort. However, what began as a legitimate medical need quickly spiraled into a harrowing addiction.

Fraser’s dependence on hydrocodone grew insidiously. “Every morning for probably 300 days, I was thinking, ‘How can I get more hydrocodone?'” he admits. His addiction lasted for approximately three years, escalating to the point where he was consuming 60 pills a day. The breaking point came on January 2, 2018, when undercover state patrol agents, armed and ready, stormed his office. The ordeal led to Fraser losing his medical practice and license, plunging his family into turmoil.

Prescription opioids: a gateway to addiction

Dr. Fraser’s story is far from unique. According to an article from Johns Hopkins Medicine, it’s possible to become addicted to narcotics in as little as eight days, with some studies suggesting that addiction can occur even with the first dose. This rapid onset of dependency is a stark reminder of the potency of these medications.

Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse highlights that many individuals who misuse prescription opioids eventually transition to more accessible and often cheaper alternatives, like heroin. Data indicates that 80 percent of heroin users started with prescription opioids.

 

The aftermath and recovery

After his arrest, Fraser faced a grueling detox and treatment process. He spent 15 days detoxing in a local hospital before transferring to the Talbott Recovery Campus in Atlanta, Georgia, where he underwent a three-month rehabilitation program designed for professionals. Despite the challenges, Fraser completed his recovery and eventually had his medical license restored. He now works for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration  (SAMHSA), dedicated to combating the epidemic that nearly destroyed his life.

Lessons learned and moving forward

Dr. Fraser’s journey underscores the critical need for better education and support systems within the medical community. He advocates for establishing physician health programs offering confidential treatment without jeopardizing medical licenses. “Hiding in the dark fuels the addiction,” he warns, emphasizing the importance of seeking help without fear of professional ruin.

Fraser also highlights the necessity of changing societal perceptions of addiction. “It’s a disease that changes the brain,” he explains, stressing that addiction should not be viewed as a moral failing but as a medical condition requiring compassionate treatment. He calls for increased monitoring and restrictions on opioid prescriptions to prevent future cases like his.

Dr. Fraser goes on a hike with his wife after recovering from his opiate addiction in the Fall of 2018. (Photo: Michelle Riggle)

Dr. Scott Fraser’s perspective: monitoring and prevention

Dr. Scott Fraser, an internal medicine physician and hospitalist at Ascension St. Vincent in Evansville, Indiana, offers a different angle on the issue. As a hospitalist, he frequently encounters patients who are at risk of developing opioid dependencies.

He describes the protocols in place to prevent abuse, including strict monitoring and limited prescribing practices. “Indiana limits how much I can send somebody with. Typically, I send two, maybe three days’ worth of pain medicine, if any at all,” Dr. Fraser explains.

One of the most effective tools in preventing opioid abuse is the prescription monitoring program, known in Indiana as Inspect. “I can access every patient and see every scheduled prescription they’ve gotten in the last three years,” he says. This system helps identify patients who might be doctor-shopping or showing signs of addiction.

Despite these measures, Dr. Fraser acknowledges the delicate balance required in managing pain while preventing addiction. “If they come in for certain things that are very, very painful, chances are I’m going to give you some level of pain medication,” he says. However, he is cautious and prefers to discuss alternatives and the risks associated with opioids with his patients.

According to TN.gov, 25 percent of individuals who misuse opioids become physically dependent. Research also indicates that even at low doses, taking an opioid for more than three months can increase the risk of addiction by 15 times.

Dr. Fraser’s approach is influenced by his personal experience with addiction in his family. “Having family members who’ve gone through this has made me a better doctor,” he reflects, emphasizing the importance of communication and education in preventing opioid misuse. “The biggest thing is just talking to them about it… It’s not safe for me to give you this. It’s going to cause more problems in the long run.”

Dr. Jeffrey Fraser takes a photo with his son, Dr. Scott Fraser, on his first day of medical school in August of 2016. (Photo: Anna Fraser)

The path to prevention

The opioid crisis demands a multifaceted approach, combining education, stricter prescription practices, and robust support systems for those struggling with addiction. Dr. Fraser’s work with SAMHSA focuses on reducing the stigma associated with addiction and promoting recovery programs that offer hope and healing.

For those currently battling addiction, Fraser offers a simple but powerful piece of advice: “Seek help, talk to your family, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.” His story serves as a poignant reminder that recovery is possible, but it requires courage, support, and a concerted effort to change the way society views and treats addiction.

As America continues to grapple with the opioid epidemic, stories like Dr. Fraser’s highlight the urgent need for systemic changes in how we prescribe, monitor, and address the use of prescription opioids. We hope to turn the tide on this devastating crisis through collective action and compassion.

Christina Fraser is a graduate student. Jeffrey L. Fraser is a family physician.