"Jens Riewa, a representative for 'Tagesschau', discloses the significant motivation for his decision to abstain: 'No More Yearning'"
In an unexpected turn of events, Jens Riewa, the well-known "Tagesschau" announcer, has chosen a new path, abstaining from alcohol and painkillers since 2016. This decision was prompted by a hospital stay that saw him administered Fentanyl, a powerful painkiller.
During his hospital stay, Riewa was fitted with a Fentanyl patch, a slow-release painkiller designed to manage severe pain. These patches, often eye-catching in fluorescent colours, can pose a significant risk when discarded, as they still contain a potent amount of opioid medication. This residual fentanyl can be extracted or accidentally absorbed, leading to overdose or even death, particularly for children or pets who come into contact with them.
Riewa experienced itching after applying the patch and decided to remove it. However, his hospital stay was not without complications. The kidney stone operation did not go as planned, resulting in a four-week stay in the hospital. The news of his extended hospital stay and abstinence from alcohol and painkillers caused quite a stir, with many expressing surprise and support.
One such individual was Barbara Schoeneberger, who was taken aback when Riewa revealed his decision during a guest appearance on her podcast, "Breakfast with Barbara". Schoeneberger's initial reaction was one of disbelief, exclaiming, "No, you're not serious!". Riewa, in response, shared that his decision was born out of a desire to never lose control of his body again.
The Fentanyl patch, Riewa recalled, looked "very special". The pain he experienced during his hospital stay was compared to a "triple childbirth pain". Intriguingly, it was speculated that if a Fentanyl patch were to be boiled, it could potentially send "thousands of people into a dreamland".
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with Fentanyl and the importance of proper disposal and safety precautions. Fentanyl is up to 100 times more potent than morphine, making even small leftover amounts extremely dangerous. Used patches can be accidentally or intentionally misused by others, especially children or pets, causing fatal poisoning. Improper disposal leads to environmental and public health risks, as used patches contain enough fentanyl to cause overdose if accessed.
In light of these risks, patients are advised to follow strict disposal protocols, keep patches out of reach of others, and never share or reuse patches. By doing so, we can help ensure the safety and wellbeing of ourselves and those around us.
After the hospital incident, Jens Riewa developed an interest in health-and-wellness, particularly mental-health topics. This newfound interest led him to share his experiences during a podcast, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over one's body, a reflection of his mental-health journey.
