James Marthaler survived a rare genetic illness for which the only treatment was pain management with opioids. Between 1998-2008 James slowly sunk into his disability, mental illness and prescribed opiates. In 2008 James was offered a partial cure to his genetic illness and fought his way out of his opiate nightmare. Today James is a Supervisor with Rice County Social Services and a private consultant throughout the Midwest sharing his story, insights and guidance on how to effectively combat the opioid crisis. Since 2010 James has consulted throughout the Midwest for numerous hospitals and clinics, human/social service agencies, law enforcement, and for the American College of Physicians Midwestern Conferences (2013 & 2014), Mayo Clinics Grand Rounds (2016), University of MN Medical School (2013-Present). With his story James offers attendees a personal glimpse into the opioid crisis but also as a professional in the field of mental health and county social services an analysis of this epidemic and why the United States has become Ground Zero. James shares his experiences with the medical profession, his perspective from the "client's" seat and how we can all be more effective in pushing back this tide. Participant's ideas and beliefs are challenged, valuable information related to the opioid crisis is shared and answers to questions one could never ask a client are honestly answered by someone who has lived through it.