Working with those struggling to free themselves from the grip of drug addiction, Christine Daugherty has seen the devastation that heroin, methamphetamine and other narcotics can have on someone’s life.

She’s also seen the remarkable turnaround that these addicts can make through treatment and counseling at the Harbortown Treatment Center, the Benton Harbor methadone clinic where she currently works.

The registered nurse brought up one of these cases, mentioning the story of a woman who was recently released from the program after receiving care from the center for several years.

While in recovery, the woman reconnected with estranged family members, repaired her failing marriage, maintained custody of her child, and even rediscovered her faith, becoming a Sunday school teacher at her church.

“Her life has been going along much more improved than it was before,” Daugherty said. “But it was a long time. It was a long, long time.”

Daugherty shared her experiences working at the area clinic to the members of the Dowagiac Rotary club during their weekly meeting Thursday at the Elks Lodge. The healthcare professional and graduate of Dowagiac Union High School was invited to speak to the club by member Sandra Bessey.

Harbortown Treatment Center offers outpatient drug recovery services for people throughout southwest Michigan. The clinic has around 250 adult patients, providing them with opioid medication such as methadone or Suboxone to help them overcome a physical dependence on drugs, Daugherty said.

“Substance abuse and addiction is lifelong,” she said. “It’s kind of like you’re dealing with diabetes or hypertension, or something that is chronic. Even though it [treatment] is very effective, it’s long term.”

The center also provides group and individual counseling to help patients overcome their addiction, she said.

“The most effective treatment for substances are when you can do the medication plus counseling, so that’s what we do,” Daugherty said.

Daugherty has worked as a substance abuse counselor for the past six years, and in the process has heard many pain-filled stories from patients fighting drug abuse, she said.

“It’s rewarding and heartbreaking all at the same time,” Daugherty said.