#161: Surgeon and Son Tell Their Drug Addiction & Healing Story in a New Novel

Run The Race

An orthopaedic surgeon in Georgia is now the author of a new book, opening up about his family's struggles with drug addiction in a new fiction novel based on their journey, called "The Gardens of Winter." He and his son, the former addict, both opened up to me for this episode of the Run The Race podcast, which you should subscribe to. (4:57) Dr. Jay McGrory, who works at Hughston Clinic in Columbus GA, starts with his difficulty processing his oldest son Nick's substance abuse becoming a "wrecking ball" for their family, almost dying from an overdose, then being in and out of rehab. With Father's Day coming up, (13:07) we talk about his reaction as dad, which he is not afraid to say was being frustrated, angry, disappointed with his son at the time. As a physician, he didn't know the nature of addiction either. Instead of it simply being a bad lifestyle choice, it's also a disease and he learned more and more, going through it as a parent. What was the turning point? He tells that story that included tears and now a dad that's proud of Nick. There's also the spiritual aspect for addicts and their family members for overcoming these challenges, getting help from God and groups going through the same thing, like Al-Anon where they start with the serenity prayer. (24:32) Why did he decide to write a semiautobiographical novel? And how does Dr. McGrory hope it will help other struggling families, addicts? He says there is hope for you! Those involved have to choose to go get help, just like going to the doctor when you're hurt or sick. we also talk briefly about doctors prescribing so many opioids for pain. (34:05) My second guest in this podcast episode is his son Nick McGrory, who started his drug abuse after having shoulder surgery as a teenager and getting opioids for it. More than 6 years ago, at age 22, he got sober and he now leads Otter House Recovery in Asheville NC where he's helping other young men with sober living: https://otterhouserecovery.com/. He takes us through the tough journey leading up to his sobriety (42:21) and we dig deeper into how addictions can start for young people, a disease that impacts the whole family. (50:34) And finally, Nick and i talk about his dad's book, breaking the stigma of addiction which continues killing so many people! That drug abuse also includes struggles with Higher powers and getting help from people outside your family. (1:04:57) I close the pod in prayer. Thanks for listening to the #RunTheRace podcast! Also, write a quick review about it, on Apple podcasts. For more info and all past episodes, go to www.wtvm.com/podcast/. And you can buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Gardens-Winter-Jay-McGrory/dp/B0C1JBJH47/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=Q66EIDWLY249&keywords=gardens%20of%20winter%20mcgrory&qid=1685500222&sprefix=gardens%20of%20win%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-1&fbclid=IwAR3mg0RRO3p0dPcHBv3YDBbh3Y1Mypi6Ku6qopMpYN7OP_gHqYuJEh-Eg30