The Beautiful Cherry Tree from the Depths of Despair

Women and girls in rural communities across the United States are being forever changed by substance misuse. Sadly, it’s a story with which many are becoming increasingly familiar. Why are women in rural places being incarcerated for substances at such high rates? What can communities do to intervene and help? What resources are available? 

We explore these troublesome questions and find some equally troubling answers. We hear from a former substance misuser who shares a solution that helped change her life, and how her struggle with substances is a required background for her becoming a care provider to women currently trying to stay sober.  And we learn how her affliction has impacted other care providers in her community.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @middleofeverywherepod and on Twitter @rural_stories. 

Original artwork created by Murray State University student Alma Garcia.