We’ve all heard the traumatic stories from our country’s opioid epidemic. They’re tales of addiction, rock bottom and recovery. But for women, opioid addiction leads many into sex trafficking to pay for drugs.

For thousands of moms with opioid addiction, this is their struggle: keeping their disease under control during and after pregnancy, in order to keep their kids.

A bipartisan Congressional group focused on curbing the use of heroin and other drugs Tuesday released a list of legislation focused on law enforcement, prevention and drug treatment.

Charlie Stewart works with doctors and nurses, but he's not in this position thanks to a degree in medicine or social work. He's trained to work with patients and has experience in peer mentorship. He also has a past of drug addiction.

Last week, we introduced you to Jaime Smith, a mother of four from St. Joseph who is recovering from addiction to prescription pain killers and heroin. Recovery from opioid addiction is a difficult journey, but it’s sometimes even more difficult to begin.