As January winds down, it signals the end of National Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month, 31 days dedicated to raising awareness for those dealing with the misuse of or addiction to alcohol, marijuana or street or prescription drugs. At Monarch, we are dedicated to helping those dealing with substance use disorders across the state of North Carolina. Melissa Henderson is one of many Monarch employees leading the charge against addiction. Melissa has been a member of the Monarch community for the past eight years, beginning her journey as a nurse serving those with substance use and mental health issues. In the years since, she has supported the people we serve as a nurse practitioner across Robeson and Scotland counties and their outpatient clinics. In an effort to bring awareness and educate regarding substance use disorders, Melissa answered some commonly asked questions from myths to how family members can recognize when a loved one needs help.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
“I have a 22-year-old son and two dogs. I am the first person in my family to obtain a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree. I started as a nursing assistant and worked my way up to a Nurse Practitioner. I worked at a small community hospital for 18 years and have been with Monarch going on 8 years. I started as a nurse at Monarch’s inpatient substance use and mental health facility in Lumberton and continue to work there every other weekend and fill in for their primary provider. I work full time at Robeson and Scotland outpatient clinics. I love my job and the people we support. I am compassionate, a good listener and an effective communicator.”
Q: What inspired you to work in the field of substance use disorder treatment?
“Personal experiences. I have been around substance use most of my life. My family has a history of substance use. I was always the designated driver, the person who helped someone in the house and made sure they were tucked in bed. I lost several close friends to substance use and decided that I wanted to help people overcome their addictions.”
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
“Hearing about or seeing a person we support graduate from their substance use program. Several of them have [ended up] becoming Peer Supports. Seeing the light bulb come on in their head when they understand what you have been teaching them [is the most rewarding part of the job].”
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges you face in helping people recover?
“The struggles [they have] with cravings and urges. They come into the facility determined to get through the withdrawals and for many, they cannot withstand the withdrawal symptoms and give in to their cravings and leave to use, assisting them to break bad habits. Most people turn to alcohol and drugs to deal with trauma, life, pain, mental health issues and stress, assisting them to learn new ways to cope with these stressors. Attempting to get them to stay and continue treatment when they have been triggered and want to leave to use [and] the stigma of substance use [can be a challenge].”
Q: How do you define substance use disorder in a way that people can easily understand?
“I define it as the inability to control the use of the drug they are using and continue to use despite negative consequences it causes. People experiencing substance use disorders (SUDs) have trouble controlling their drug use even though they know drugs are harmful. SUD is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a medical issue just like high blood pressure and caffeine or nicotine.”
Q: What are some common misconceptions about addiction that you wish more people understood?
“Only certain types of people get addicted. A person must hit rock bottom before they change. People with drug addiction can quit anytime they want. Relapse means that treatment failed. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) replaces one addiction with another. People with addiction just need more willpower. Addiction is a choice. Recovery is a simple process. “I can quit on my own” or “Outpatient is enough for me.”
Q: What signs should family members or friends look for if they suspect someone is struggling with substance use?
“Signs include a change in behavior, mood, appearance, weight, hygiene, sleep patterns. Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors. Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home, including neglecting one’s children. Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts and hobbies. Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal money. Abandoning enjoyable activities (hobbies, sports and socializing) to use drugs. Unexplained change in personality or attitude. Sudden mood swings, increased irritability or angry outbursts. Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual. Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits. Poor work performance, being chronically late to work, appearing tired and disinterested in work duties and receiving poor performance reviews. Changes in physical appearance, such as wearing inappropriate or dirty clothing and a lack of interest in grooming. Issues with financial management, such as not paying bills on time. Changes in appetite, such as a decreased appetite and associated weight loss. Bloodshot eyes, poor skin tone and appearing tired or run down. Defensiveness when asked about substance use.”
Q: What does effective treatment for substance use disorder look like?
“It looks like a combination of evidence-based therapies, medications and support systems that are personalized to the individual’s needs. Recovery may involve medication to help with cravings and withdrawal as well as different forms of therapy. It may even require checking into a rehabilitation facility.”
Q: What role does mental health play in recovery from substance use disorder?
“Mental health can increase the risk of relapse. When mental health challenges go untreated, they can fuel the cycle of addiction. Someone experiencing intense anxiety or trauma may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Mental health care, provided through counseling, therapy and psychiatric support, allows individuals to work through unresolved pain, trauma or emotional dysregulation.”
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to support a loved one in recovery?
“Listen without judgment and let them express their feelings without interruption or unsolicited advice. Be patient and offer consistent support without expressing frustration or disappointment. Be available. Educate yourself. A deeper understanding of addiction will help you recognize and respond to the challenges and triumphs your loved one will inevitably face along the path to recovery. Encourage them to attend or remain in treatment. Set healthy boundaries. Be clear with your loved one about what you will and will not accept. Be honest. Approach the subject with honesty and be straightforward, so your loved one understands the severity of the problem. Encourage responsibility. Don’t give up. Help them find support. Be kind and accepting.”
Q: What roles do community resources and organizations play in helping people recover?
“Provides essential connection, understanding, and resources, and builds a foundation for recovery. It provides individuals with a network of understanding peers who share similar experiences, creating a sense of belonging and reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. AA/NA meetings promote healthy lifestyle habits and offer social opportunities that reinforce sobriety. [It] offers positive distractions from cravings or triggers, manages stress and emotional challenges, provides transportation, employment assistance and housing-crucial for maintaining sobriety. Community involvement teaches important social skills such as empathy and listening, which improve interpersonal relationships and creates a dependable support system. Being held accountable within a community setting inspires consistency and resilience. It boosts self-esteem and provides structure.”
Q: What message would you share with someone currently struggling with substance use?
“[I would say that] you are not alone. I am proud of you. I am here for you. Recovery is not about being perfect — it’s about taking one step at a time, taking it one day at a time. Do not think about tomorrow, think about today and what you have achieved.”
If you or a loved one is in need of substance use disorder treatment, Monarch offers a variety of services so that we can find that treatment path that works best for you.