Former Heroin Addict Inspires Female Inmates to Overcome Addiction at Kansas Drug Rehab Centers
A former heroin addict recently visited Platte County jail to share her personal story about addiction and substance abuse with female inmates. Francine Ward, an author, motivational speaker, and San Francisco attorney, insisted on meeting with the inmates to inspire and steer them toward staying clean following their sentences.
While incarceration forces inmates to become clean and sober by default, those with struggle with substance abuse can fare better with lifelong sobriety by seeking help at Kansas drug rehab centers.
If you or someone you care about is addicted to heroin, morphine, or another substance, understand there are several local rehab centers that can help you or your loved one overcome addiction. Call our confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about Kansas drug rehab centers in your area that can help.
Inspiring Inmates to Overcome Addiction
The presentation encouraged female inmates to seek rehab help after leaving jail.
Ward’s visit was sponsored by First Call, an alcohol and drug addiction and recovery agency that services Kansas City and neighboring communities. The event itself was arranged by the Municipal Court of Kansas City, which approved the meeting for 30 inmates. Platte County jail administrator Capt. Joseph King was present at the event to witness the interaction between Ward and the inmates.
Before beginning her presentation, Ward introduced herself as a drug-addicted prostitute from New York. Ward went on to describe her lifestyle growing up, and the events that led to her heroin addiction. Ward says she finally sought sobriety 37 years ago after being hit by a car and waking up in a Las Vegas hospital — an accident she doesn’t remember happening.
Following her speech, Ward answered questions from various inmates regarding her struggle with addiction. Several inmates even shared their own personal stories about addiction, with some saying they feel more hopeful about their futures after being forced to come clean in jail. Ward, First Call, and other agencies that arranged the event hope Ward’s talk will inspire women to get the help they need following release from jail.
Overcoming Addiction at Drug Rehab Centers
Individuals addicted to heroin, morphine, and other opioids often relapse when quitting on their own due to experiencing intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Relapses increase the risk for overdose, coma, or death, especially when users take higher doses to regain feelings of euphoria and pain relief. But drug rehab centers in Kansas offer unique treatments designed to address opioid addiction and help users overcome physical dependence.
Medication-assisted treatments combine the use of medications with counseling and therapy to address opioid addiction in full. Medications approved for use by the FDA to treat opioid addiction include buprenorphine, naltrexone, and methadone — all of which are effective at blocking the effects of opioids to prevent euphoria and pain relief. These medications also help minimize cravings and withdrawal symptoms so patients face a lower risk for relapse, and a better chance at achieving lasting sobriety.
Former inmates and addicts can visit Kansas drug rehab centers to not only overcome addiction, but to receive counseling and therapy that can improve their personal lives following treatment. Rehab centers also offer ongoing addiction education programs so recovering addicts can continue to receive the support they need while getting back on their feet. As a result, local Kansas families and communities can benefit from improved public safety and lower addiction and overdose rates.
Are you addicted to heroin and live in Kansas? Understand that you don’t have to overcome addiction on your own without help. Call our 24/7 confidential helpline at 888-414-2380 to learn more about Kansas drug rehab centers in your area that specialize in treating heroin addiction.