Addiction is a Dark Time, but Dayspring is the Dawn

If you struggle with addiction or know someone who does, overcoming it may feel impossible. But there’s hope. This story follows a man’s 13-year journey through addiction and how he beat the odds with the help of supportive caregivers at Intermountain Dayspring at LDS Hospital. 

When people think of addiction, they often think of syringes, smoking, alcohol abuse, shady characters, and debasement. But in the healthcare community, addiction is recognized as a brain disease that involves compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences — and as a problem that can be treated and managed.

In the late 1990s, medical providers were assured by pharmaceutical companies that patients wouldn’t become addicted to opiate pain relievers. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, and since then, the number of opiate addictions and overdoses has skyrocketed. Addiction no longer had a face because anyone could be addicted — even non-smokers and non-drinkers like Trent Turner.

It all started when Trent broke his nose playing baseball when he was 10. His doctor was able to set it but told him he’d have to wait until 11 years — until after his LDS Church mission — to repair his now deviated septum.

The years came and went, and Trent finally had his surgery. The prescription for pain? His first dose of opiates.

Unfortunately, the pills did more than manage his pain. “I noticed that when I took a pill, dates went better, school was easier, and I felt on top of the world,” Trent said.

Eventually, he graduated from college and got married. His life was going great, and for a young man trying to find his place in the world, he didn’t want to live without the feeling he got from the pills.

So Trent kept taking them, and whenever he’d run out, he’d invent reasons to get more.

“I thought I was just doing what my doctor told me to do — take them for pain and come back for more if I needed them,” he said.

One bottle turned into many, and in order to pay for them, he began selling loved one’s belongings. Trent’s family had no idea for the longest time.

Eventually, he and several family members began to recognize his addiction, but his wife still didn’t know. 

Shortly after his daughter was born, Trent finally built up the courage to tell his wife about his addiction to opiates. At first, she was supportive. But then she began to realize how addicted he was and where all their money had really been going.

Shortly after, she and their 6-week-old daughter left — and after being addicted to opiates for more than 10 years, Trent finally hit rock bottom.

“I waved the white flag and said, ‘Okay, I give in. I need help.’” Trent said. “I told the doctors I was withdrawing from opiates and they recommended that I go to Intermountain Dayspring at LDS Hospital.”

That sounded good. Dayspring is an outpatient substance abuse treatment program that offers evidence-based care from knowledgeable, caring, and experienced clinical and behavioral professionals. But when Trent tried joining the program, it was full. 

His determination led him to seek out other treatments until he could get in. “I tried going to another hospital where I went through detox treatment,” Trent said. “It didn’t feel like it helped much.”

And then the good news came — there was an opening at Dayspring, and Trent signed up as soon as he could.

Going the first time was the scary part. “I remember thinking the counselors would judge me for my mistakes, but I was wrong,” he said. “They were kind, they listened, and they cared about every one of us in the program.”

That first morning marked the start of Trent’s long journey to overcoming his addiction. During his stay, he received individual counseling and participated in the 12-step group meetings every morning. The hardest part for him? The withdrawals.

“I don’t think I’d ever been that sick before,” Trent said. “It was very painful.”

While he constantly fought physical and mental pain during Dayspring’s first couple of weeks, he credits the program with saving his life.

“Dayspring is what gave me hope,” Trent said. “Honestly, I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for the things I’ve learned there.”

Despite numerous temptations and hardships, Trent has been sober for almost two years. He continues to attend Dayspring meetings in the mornings to encourage others who want their lives back. 

Thanks to the outstanding care offered to Trent, his family’s overwhelming support, and his own resolve and bravery, he’s winning his battle with addiction.

Trent’s focus now? His 3-year-old daughter.

“The most important thing Dayspring taught me was that my daughter needs her dad in her life,” Trent said. “She needs her dad to be sober and to be there for her.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please visit with professionals immediately. There’s hope. It’s never too late and Intermountain Dayspring at LDS Hospital can help you, too.