This Mother’s Day, Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) is celebrating moms recovering from substance use disorders and who instill hope in those who are still struggling with addiction.
Micki Arvin is one mother whose journey is worth celebrating and sharing. Her inspirational story, which has garnered almost 900,000 views on ARC’s YouTube channel, is one of restoration and reunification.
Micki had a normal childhood, growing up in Hyden, Kentucky. In her 20s, while attending nursing school, Micki was diagnosed with polycystic kidney syndrome (PKD), a rare kidney disease that causes cyst growth inside the kidneys. As part of her treatment, she would undergo dozens of surgeries, leading to her introduction to pain medication. Micki spent years in and out of different addiction treatment centers and eventually turned to heroin.
“I was instantly addicted to it. I was instantly in love with the way that it made me feel,” said Micki. At one of her lowest points, she overdosed seven times in one week. Narcan, the drug overdose reversal drug, saved her life.
While battling her addiction, Micki was separated from her daughter, who went to live with family members.
“I’d been on the run from the law for a little over 13 months. I hadn’t physically seen my daughter during that time, and I wasn’t allowed anywhere near her,” Micki said.
Eventually, Micki was arrested by police. Instead of being angry, Micki felt relief.
“I remember looking up at the wall as they walked me into jail and saying, ‘Thank God it’s over,’” said Arvin. “I knew if I wasn’t caught soon, I was going to die.”
It was during her time in jail that Micki’s brother encouraged her to seek treatment just once more and mentioned Addiction Recovery Care.
Arvin decided to pursue treatment and soon ended up at ARC, which would be her ninth and final treatment facility. There, she began to rebuild her life. She completed the treatment program, finished her internship, enrolled in the Peer Support Academy, and was eventually offered a job. In her role as an intake specialist, she was one of the first people to welcome clients to ARC.
Today, Micki works out in the field as one of ARC’s community liaisons. She also has another title, perhaps the one she’s most proud of: Mom.
“When I look at my children, I’m reminded of what I’ve overcome,” said Arvin. “There was a time I was not even allowed around my daughter. Now, even on those tough days, I get to just be ‘Mom’ all the time again. I don’t ever want to lose my gratitude for that – how grateful I am to have my children and my family back in my life.”
Arvin is surrounded by support at ARC. One of those supporters is Vanessa Keeton, ARC’s Vice President of Marketing.
“Because of ARC, Micki now has the tools she needs on those days that it isn’t easy and just being a mom alone is hard enough,” said Keeton. “She is able to make it through and maintain her recovery and rise above the obstacles that come her way.”
“If I can get better, anybody can get better,” Micki added. “I have a job and a home. I have my kids. They’re here, they’re healthy and they’re mine.”
This Mother’s Day, ARC is focused on serving community members like Micki who are struggling with substance use disorder, with the goal of bringing families back where they belong – together.
Addiction Recovery Care representatives are available for interviews on stories related to addiction treatment and recovery, including what family members can do for their loved ones who are struggling with substance use.
