Cardiologist Gives to Lifeline to Help Stop ‘Pipeline of Addiction’

Patrick J. Withrow, M.D. Cardiologist, Lifeline Donor and Advocate

Long-time Paducah cardiologist Patrick J. Withrow has spent his adult life fixing people’s hearts. Now he’s putting his heart into fixing people, or at least helping put them on the right path.

Dr. Withrow is a Lifeline donor and advocate.

He doesn’t shout it from the rooftop, but he will tell you honestly, if you ask: “Yes, I’m a recovering alcoholic.”

Sober for 14 years, he has devoted much of his time to professional networking with state and national addiction experts, who speak at his symposium in Paducah each fall. He also regularly speaks to school groups about the effects of chemicals on the adolescent brain and the need to “stop this pipeline of addiction before it starts because prevention is more effective than treatment.”

For Lifeline’s families, he’s a big believer in the spiritual component of the 12-step recovery program. “You need faith in a higher power, something much larger than yourself, to help you recover,” he said.

He’s also proud of the program’s community service requirement. “Helping others is good for the client’s psyche,” he said. “It’s a way to give back.”

Dr. Withrow is familiar with other treatment programs, including those that use medication-assisted treatment and those, like Lifeline, that do not. “This is not a one-size-fits-all solution,” he said, “but Lifeline is perfect for those who are open to Christ.”

While different approaches work for different people, he said Lifeline’s nine-month duration is good because, “It takes several months for the brain to heal and clear up. It just makes sense to do that over six to nine months.”

And while other programs may cost $30,000 or more for a month, he calls Lifeline’s $1,800 fee for nine months a bargain.

“The key here is knowing you’re not alone,” he said. “To stay sober and avoid relapse, it’s important to take responsibility, find employment and shelter and practice a spiritual life.”