Many HELP4WV Helpline Specialists Have Unique Perspective
Every September, National Recovery Month is celebrated to highlight those who are in recovery from addiction and to give hope to those still struggling. Much is written about the substance use epidemic and West Virginia’s (highest in the country) overdose rate. Less attention is paid to the statistics on recovery. Most people know someone who identifies as “in recovery,” and public celebrations of recovery milestones, once relegated to anonymous rooms in church basements, are common. The National Recovery Survey, done in 2017, revealed that nearly 1 in 10 Americans say they have resolved a substance use issue. The spectrum of those surveyed includes those who sought formal treatment, those who took part in self-help groups, and those who received no treatment.
In West Virginia, those seeking addiction treatment often start by calling HELP4WV, the state’s addiction and mental health helpline, at 1-844-435-7498. Help seekers may not realize that many of those answering the line understand their needs well, as they were once on the other end of the call. First Choice Services, the Charleston-based company that operates the line, as well as several other nonprofit helplines, reports that many of their staff are recovering from addiction.
Myste Wentz is one such helpline specialist. Myste was in active addiction for 15 years, during which she received the overdose reversal drug Narcan four times, became disconnected from her family, and spent time in prison. She has now been in recovery for over seven years, has reconnected with her family, and works as a helpline specialist for HELP4WV. Her coworkers describe her as always smiling and enthusiastic about helping others. Myste says the system for addiction treatment has improved in the years since she was struggling. “There are many more treatment options now, and we can help people with barriers like transportation or lack of insurance.” She says one thing that has not changed is callers’ need for connection and hope. “When I tell them that I’ve been there, I’ve gone through what they are dealing with now, and I’ve come out on the other side, you can feel their relief. I let them know we will find help for them and follow up to make sure they got what they needed. Who knows, maybe one day they’ll be here next to me answering this helpline.”
