Saxon | Craig, CO

“Don’t isolate yourself—do what’s best for you, whether that’s medication or treatment. Find what works for you.”

My name is Saxon, and I am in recovery. I grew up in a home where addiction was a part of everyday life. Both my parents struggled with substance use, and the environment I grew up in shaped my own experiences with drugs. At just 13, I started using alcohol and pot, and by my late teens, opioids became my escape. The pain and trauma from my childhood led me to a place where using felt like the only option.

After years of battling addiction, I came to realize I couldn’t keep living this way. Accessing treatment was a constant battle. Financial barriers, lack of insurance, and a shortage of facilities willing to take me and my children made it seem impossible. For a long time, I feared I would never find the help I needed. When I found a treatment center in Steamboat, it felt like a glimmer of hope, but the struggle didn’t end there.

I was able to find recovery through my treatment program in Steamboat, but my journey to recovery was definitely not linear. Eventually, I also discovered medication for opioid disorder (MOUD), and it changed everything. I began taking a monthly injection that helped me regain control over my life. It allowed me to help my brain return to balance and I became more motivated, present, and able to focus on my children and my work. It helped me find balance, and I felt like the dark cloud that had followed me for years had finally lifted. I am now a strong proponent of harm reduction which includes MOUD, naloxone, test strips, etc.

Living in a rural community like Craig, and so near to mountain communities like Steamboat, presents unique challenges for those in recovery. The party and vacation culture of mountain communities can be hard to overcome, and the stigma surrounding addiction is real—resources can feel out of reach. But I’ve learned that recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s not about doing everything perfectly or following a set path—it’s about finding what works for you. Medications have been an essential part of my journey, and I believe it saves lives, especially in places where addiction is widespread but support is limited.

If you’re struggling, know that there’s hope. Recovery is possible, and medications could be the key to helping you reclaim your life. You don’t have to do it alone—there’s support out there, even in rural communities. Keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps may seem.