Sandra’s Story: A Journey Toward Healing and Hope

When Sandra first walked through the doors of Therapeutic Health Services (THS) in 2014, she was terrified of what her future might hold. Her drug use had begun to affect her job, her health, and, most importantly, her ability to care for her young children. “I noticed I was going to be heading down a wrong path,” she told us during her patient story interview.

Challenges with Drugs

Sandra had been using opioids and methamphetamine to cope with anxiety and unresolved personal challenges. Addiction wasn’t the whole story—it was a symptom of deeper struggles. Our comprehensive, whole-person care meant that Sandra didn’t just receive treatment for substance use—she found a place where every aspect of her well‑being mattered.

Support and New Life

With the support of her care team, Sandra began the work of recovery. She fully stopped using drugs and slowly rebuilt her life. Over time, she stabilized, regained her confidence, and eventually no longer needed methadone. Today, she’s thriving: a full‑time employee for the City of Seattle, a proud renter, and a steady provider for her family.

Care Today

When we spoke with her for her interview, Sandra was still in treatment at THS, but now her focus had shifted entirely to her mental health. Working closely with a therapist in our program, she was learning new ways to navigate anxiety and strengthen her emotional resilience. Her therapist told us that from the very first session, Sandra showed up ready—ready to engage, ready to grow, and ready to reclaim her life.

Her hard work paid off. She recently earned a promotion at her job. She’s dreaming of buying a home. She’s imagining taking vacations with her family—dreams that once felt distant but are now within reach because of her stability, courage, and commitment.

When asked what she would say to someone considering treatment, Sandra didn’t hesitate saying “Take that first step. Get out there and change your life.”

Gratitude for Those Who Helped

She spoke with deep gratitude for the people who supported her along the way—the methadone dosing nurse who greeted her with kindness, her substance use counselor who encouraged her through setbacks, the front desk staff who always made her feel safe. To Sandra, every person at THS was part of her recovery.

And to donors, she had a message straight from the heart, “You helped change my entire life, my children’s lives, and now their children’s lives.”

Sandra’s story is proof of what’s possible—generational healing can begin when one person takes the first step and a community stands by willing to support them.

Your Support

With support from our donors, stories like Sandra’s are written every day at THS. Together, we’re helping people return to work, we’re strengthening families, and building a healthier future for our community—one success story at a time. Help us write another story like Sandra’s and make a donation today.