Former Police Officer’s Addiction Almost Killed Him

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CNN’s Turning Point – Beautiful –

July 26, 2019 – A root canal sparked Restivo’s prescription drug addiction at the age of 22. The dentist “prescribed me Vicodin. It kind of felt like my first drink. It was something that’s supposed to numb the pain and relax you, but it had the opposite effect on me. It was almost like speed for me. I was taking them quite frequently … as prescribed at first, and then once every six hours and then six every hour.” But Restivo did more than just get by. In 2008, he joined the New York Police Department.

“I was 28. I went cold turkey on the first day of police academy from using painkillers again. I remember getting into the police academy and just thinking how surreal it was.” Restivo served for four years, until he was injured on the job. “I was chasing after a few guys in the subway station and ended up getting attacked. I got thrown down a flight of stairs, and I busted up my knee and my back.” The painful injuries led to the reermergence of Restivo’s old demon. “Before I left the hospital, they gave me a prescription for 10 Vicodin. And by the time I got home that night, I was already through that prescription.”