Shortly before starting his graduate studies at the University of Toronto, David Wosnick began experiencing difficulties with his health and soon found himself in severe around-the-clock pain. Years later, he learned he was battling a rare disease known as Ehler’s-Danlos Syndrome. Despite feeling the world on his shoulders, Wosnick continued to pursue neuroscience research in hopes of gaining an understanding of the world he was so deeply immersed in-chronic pain. With his back against the wall, Wosnick found solace in opioid therapy and eventually was able to move forward with the completion of his Master of Science degree at the University of Toronto. Following recent crackdowns on prescriptions of opioid pain medications due to the opioid crisis, Wosnick has found himself amongst thousands of other chronic pain patients who have been left empty-handed in managing chronic pain. While the stigma surrounding opioids continues to inflate, Wosnick has made it his mission to educate others about what you think you know about prescription opioid medication. In breaking the mold, Wosnick sets out to show that like many others to himself, he is not your average drug user David Wosnick is amongst thousands of chronic pain patients who have been left empty-handed in managing chronic pain. While the stigma surrounding opioids continues to inflate, Wosnick has made it his mission to educate others about what you think you know about prescription opioid medication. In breaking the mould, Wosnick sets out to show that like many others to himself, he is not your average drug user This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx