Anthony never felt super comfortable in social situations, but using substances made him feel connected. When he developed a substance use disorder (SUD), for a long time, it was hard for him to see treatment as an option. "I didn’t want to admit to anybody that I wasn’t in control.” When he asked his parents for help, he was surprised at their reaction.

“I'll never forget the look on my stepfather's face, specifically when I—when I said, ‘I need help.’ He smiled. He smiled and said, ‘We know. Just happy that you're here asking.’” That moment made the difference.

Soon, Anthony learned more about his substance use disorder (SUD). “I learned that it meant that I have a disease. When I learned that, it helped to break down all the barriers for me getting help because I've learned that I can, you know, with serious effort and commitment, I can—I can put this into remission.”

Knowing that has helped him feel better about himself. “It started with the beginning of just learning how to love myself and be okay with myself and show up as me and not feel the need to show up as somebody else or whatever I felt that that substance was giving me.”

It's also helped him own the fact that he’s someone people count on. “I always wanted to be somebody that people could rely on. Recovery has allowed me to do that, to be that person.”

Watch more videos like Anthony's and learn more about SUD by following @unshameca on Instagram and Facebook. #TogetherToEndStigma