A Long Trip Back To Kensington

For some people addicted to drugs, a 45-minute journey can turn into a trial of agony while suffering from withdrawal.

Dear Readers: I don’t typically write notes to introduce stories, but after some feedback from readers about the sensitive nature of this piece, I wanted to disclose that it includes descriptions of drug abuse that may be unsettling to some people. My goal in writing this piece was to bring attention to people who are rendered invisible and stigmatized because of their substance abuse disorder, as well as call attention to how federal cuts may affect programs that have shown success.—Cristian

On a recent summer day, R. sat at the West Chester Transit Center with a ratty blue blanket wrapped around her shoulders.

Two plastic bags, one with rolls of cheap toilet paper, were at her feet.

Her reddish-orange hair was cut short, matted and spiky, like a feral Raggedy Ann doll come to life. Her face was covered in red patches. She was in her early 20s, a gray …