In a recent episode of the podcast Terminal Addiction, host Paul Bujdoso shared a powerful story about undergoing surgery for a pinched nerve and relying on mental preparation—not opioids—to recover quickly.
Paul, a nurse by training, explained that he was proactive with his medical team, specifically requesting to avoid ketamine due to past negative experiences. Instead, he opted for a combination of propofol and non-narcotic pain management using Tylenol and ibuprofen.
“I attribute my rapid recovery—doing household repairs the next day—to mental preparation and meditation,” Paul said. He and co-host Doug discussed how techniques like silent retreats, guided sessions, and “moving meditations” such as hiking are vital tools for managing pain and maintaining sobriety.
The conversation also highlighted gratitude as an active practice. Doug noted that he leads gratitude sessions in treatment settings, focusing on non-material gains like relationships and health. The hosts emphasized the “1% better” philosophy: making small, manageable daily improvements in fitness, diet, and kindness rather than setting overwhelming goals.
This episode underscores the growing recognition of mindfulness as a complementary tool in recovery and pain management, offering a holistic path to resilience.