From Crisis to Stability
How MAT Changed One Woman's Life
After years of opioid addiction, Sarah found hope through Medication-Assisted Treatment and comprehensive support at SHCMHC.
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Sarah (not her real name), a 34-year-old mother of two from Mercer County, struggled with opioid addiction for over five years. Like many in Southern West Virginia, her addiction began with a prescription for pain medication after a work injury. When the prescription ran out, she turned to street drugs to avoid withdrawal.
The Struggle
Sarah's addiction cost her everything—her job, her relationships, and nearly her children. She tried to quit multiple times on her own, but the withdrawal symptoms and cravings were overwhelming. In rural West Virginia, finding treatment felt impossible. The nearest detox facility was two hours away, required upfront payment, and had a months-long waitlist.
"I felt trapped," Sarah recalls. "I wanted to get clean for my kids, but I didn't know where to turn. I had Medicaid, but most places didn't take it or had waiting lists. I was running out of time."
Finding Help
Sarah's sister called SHCMHC's 24/7 crisis line on her behalf. Within 24 hours, Sarah had an appointment for a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) evaluation. As a federally certified CCBHC, SHCMHC couldn't turn her away due to inability to pay.
At her first appointment, Sarah met with a physician who explained MAT—using medications like buprenorphine (Suboxone) or naltrexone (Vivitrol) combined with counseling and behavioral therapy. The same day, she received her first dose of buprenorphine, ending the cycle of withdrawal and cravings that had controlled her life.
The Treatment Journey
Sarah's treatment plan included:
- Medication management: Weekly visits initially, then monthly as she stabilized
- Individual counseling: Weekly sessions addressing trauma, coping skills, and triggers
- Group therapy: Peer support from others in recovery
- Case management: Help with childcare, transportation, and reconnecting with her children
- Peer support: Connection with a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist who had lived experience with addiction
"The team approach made all the difference," Sarah says. "My doctor, therapist, case manager, and peer specialist all talked to each other. I didn't have to repeat my story over and over or coordinate between different providers."
Recovery and Hope
Eighteen months into treatment, Sarah is thriving. She's been opioid-free (except for her prescribed MAT medication) for over a year. She regained custody of her children, found stable housing, and recently started working part-time.
"MAT saved my life," Sarah says. "People think it's just replacing one drug with another, but it's not. Buprenorphine stops the cravings and withdrawal without getting me high. It gave me the stability I needed to do the real work in therapy—dealing with my trauma, learning to cope with stress, rebuilding my life."
Sarah continues with MAT and monthly therapy. She's become a peer support volunteer, helping other mothers in early recovery navigate the challenges of treatment while parenting.
"If you're struggling with addiction, please reach out. You don't have to hit rock bottom. You don't have to do it alone. MAT works, and it's available right here in Southern West Virginia. The hardest part is making that first call—but it's also the most important."
— Sarah
