Faces of Addiction

Veins of silence: Mental health and the invisible pulse of addiction

by Tina Cole-Mullins

Behind the rose-colored glasses used by many to view our community lies a quiet crisis—the gritty reality of mental illness and addiction. October marks National Substance Abuse Prevention Month and Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day. Both are a time to reflect and advocate for those whose lives are shaped by this intersection of mental illness and addiction.

In past years, Stockbridge Community News has occasionally featured “Faces of Addiction.” This year, we return to a familiar voice and will introduce new ones, but with a deeper lens on the emotional and psychological roots of substance use. 

Heidi Mell, a mother and survivor first shared her story with Stockbridge Community News in 2018 “Faces of Addiction: Conclusion for the love of my child.” She returns this year with raw transparency and verse:

“I didn’t chase a high for fun, I ran from pain I couldn’t outrun. They took my kids and called it fair, But left my arms and soul stripped bare. 

I never loved that needle’s touch, I only craved relief too much. The pain was loud, the shame was real, The drugs just made it numb to feel.”

After many years sober, Mell relapsed in 2023, triggered by an abusive relationship. Psychologist Shannon Lowder testified on behalf of Jackson County in Mell’s recent parental rights case.

“Relapse is a part of recovery,” Lowder acknowledged. But she also suggested that Mell may not be capable of long-term sobriety, despite this survivor’s history that might suggest otherwise. 

Mell’s experience echoes that of a broader crisis also recognized each October—Domestic Violence Awareness Month—a time to honor survivors and confront the lasting psychological toll of abuse.

For her, the trauma of a recent abusive relationship wasn’t just physical. It served as a catalyst for relapse—and a reminder that healing must address both the visible bruises and those buried deep.

“Until this, I hadn’t had mental health issues since 2011. When I began processing my trauma—after almost being murdered—I was finally able to regain long-term sobriety. Until then, I kept using drugs to heal and deal.”

Her assailant in the most recent abuse was sentenced for felonious assault and domestic violence. He is currently incarcerated but soon to be released.

As for Mell, she isn’t giving up, and she hopes to prove the court psychologist wrong. She has completed self-funded drug classes and graduated from Dawn Farm-Spera rehabilitation programs and counseling. She takes Vivitrol to manage cravings and prescribed medication for PTSD and anxiety.

Mell’s recovery is rooted in emotional healing and fierce maternal love.

“But now I rise—still scarred, still torn, A lioness reborn in storm. I’ve walked through hell, I’ve faced the flame, But I will not die with their name. 

So judge me hard, but see me right— I’m not your villain. I still fight. A mother’s love don’t fade or bend— And this ain’t over. Not the end.”

But always there’s temptation. While opioids dominate headlines, methamphetamine remains a persistent and rising threat across Michigan. Between 2015 and 2023, meth-related arrests increased by over 30%, particularly in rural counties where access to treatment is limited and homemade labs still proliferate. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, stimulant-related hospitalizations—including meth—have doubled in the past decade.

Looking ahead to next month

Trauma isn’t just something that happens—it’s the air you breathe. It becomes part of who you are. Such is the case with Allison, our next “Faces of Addiction” story.

Shattered by betrayal and three years into her addiction, Allison started using needles with heroin, oxy, morphine, meth. Then, one day, nine words pierced through the silence. Learn what those words were and more about Allison when she shares her story in next month’s Stockbridge Community News.

Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. Recovery doesn’t happen alone. Volunteer, mentor, donate, or simply show up. Your presence might be the lifeline someone didn’t know they needed.

Resources for dual-focus treatment centers (addiction and mental health)

Spera Recovery Center (Dawn Farm),Ann Arbor: A recovery-friendly detox center for social detox, peer support, and transition planning. Detox services are free.  (734) 669-8265. rehab.com/dawn-farm-spera

Revival Recovery Center, Brighton: Integrated care for substance abuse and mental health, including personalized treatment plans and peer support. revivalrecoverycenter.com 

Home of New Vision, Ann Arbor: Inpatient and outpatient programs with peer support, therapy, and early intervention services. findrecoverynow.org/dual-diagnosis-treatment-centers/michigan-mi/

House of Commons,Mason (Run by Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties CMH): Offers residential treatment with dual-diagnosis support. yourfirststep.org/treatment-centers/henrietta-mi/

Celebrate Recovery, Stockbridge:Meets weekly on Thursdays at C3 Church. A welcoming, community-focused format. Dinner (meal is free): 6 p.m. Large Group: 7 p.m. Open Share: 8 p.m. Fellowship and coffee immediately after c3stockbridge.org/celebraterecovery