William Cope Moyers, once a vocal advocate for overcoming drug addiction, encountered a formidable challenge on his road to recovery. Initially celebrated for his victory over crack addiction, Moyers’s battle took an unexpected turn when he was prescribed opioid painkillers following dental surgery.
Against the backdrop of a sprawling library, Moyers reflects on the grip of opioid addiction in his latest literary work, Broken Open: What Painkillers Taught Me About Life and Recovery. In this revealing account, he details the relentless grip of his new addiction, despite employing various recovery strategies that had previously sustained his sobriety.
Moyers, as vice president of public affairs at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, openly discusses the cyclical nature of her struggles with addiction and the insights she has gleaned from these experiences. Her narrative delves into the complexities of addiction, the challenges of maintaining sobriety, and the ongoing quest for recovery.
In his memoir, “Broken,” Moyers chronicled his dangerous crack addiction and his arduous journey to recovery, which initially seemed successful. However, his 2012 prescription for opioid painkillers reignited his struggle, leading to an intense dependence on the drug.
His most recent work, “Broken Open,” explores his unwavering dependence on opioids, despite his active participation in 12-step programs and other recovery methods that had long supported his recovery efforts. In a candid discussion, Moyers shared the profound lessons he has learned about life and recovery through his ongoing battle with addiction.
The recovery journey, Moyers explains, is fraught with setbacks and learning opportunities. He candidly describes how his addiction resurfaced and the steps he took to address it, including eventually using Suboxone, a drug that helped him break free from the cravings that had once dominated his life.
Moyers’ story is not only one of personal struggle, but also highlights broader issues related to addiction and recovery. His experiences underscore the complexity of addiction as a chronic disease and the need for adaptable recovery strategies that can address the unique challenges posed by different substances.
Through his public speaking engagements and his latest book, Moyers continues to advocate for understanding and addressing addiction with empathy, informed strategies, and comprehensive support, contributing to the broader conversation about overcoming addiction and promoting long-term recovery.
