John Makohen—author and counselor with lived experience—details why people who are unhoused face steep barriers to SUD treatment (IDs, phones, insurance, transportation,rigid abstinence-first rules) and calls for Housing First, person-centered MOUD, and compassion over compliance.

Content Warning: This article discusses drug use, heroin addiction, and trauma. John Makohen, a seasoned substance use counselor and author of *A Heroin User’s Guide to Harm Reduction*, shares his lived experience of life on the streets, the risks of drug use, and the lessons that shaped his journey toward recovery.

Brandi McCurdy, a critical care nurse practitioner and mother, shares her raw story of fighting a broken system, setting boundaries, and learning to love her daughter through addiction while prioritizing her own healing

Content Warning: This article discusses suicide. Dr. Ashley Smith, a licensedpsychologist and advocate, shares insights into why suicidal thoughts occur, how to support loved ones, and why hope is always possible.

Valerie Smith grew up in a household marked by abuse, neglect, and instability, leading to years of struggle with complex PTSD. Through therapy, mindfulness, and her connection with nature, she found healing and resilience, ultimately transforming her pain into purpose as a psychotherapist and ecotherapy guide. In this article, Valerie shares her journey and the insights that now shape her work with clients facing trauma and recovery.

In Part II of her Substance Use Disorder Series, counselor Belinda Morey shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, suicidal ideation, and the fight for recovery. Drawing from both lived experience and her work in the field, Belinda highlights how even in the darkest moments, hope can emerge through resilience, community, and compassion. This powerful story invites readers to reflect on the struggles of addiction while offering a message of healing and renewal.

Discover how telehealth recovery coaching breaks barriers—bringing private, flexible, stigma-free addiction support into the home.

After losing his 14-year-old daughter Maddie to suicide, Chris Coulter transformed unimaginable pain into purpose, dedicating his life to youth mental health and emotional well-being. He founded The Mentor Well, an online mentorship platform designed to help teens and young adults build confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Chris believes that meaningful mentorship—especially from emotionally intelligent adults—can change the trajectory of a young life.