Stories

At the core of the Unshame California campaign are the thousands of Californians impacted by substance use disorder. They are our parents, siblings, children, friends, coworkers, and neighbors. These are their stories.

Jan 4, 2024

Support & Acceptance Can Make All the Difference

Cassondra and Ryan are no strangers to experiencing stigma around their substance use disorder (SUD).

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Dec 14, 2023

Yerson Gets Honest About Overdose

Carrying naloxone—aka Narcan—is a commitment to saving lives!

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Dec 5, 2023

Obinna Teaches Positive Self Talk

Today, Obinna's smile can light up a room.

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Oct 27, 2023

Make a Difference with Love

Jocella says that loving someone who uses substances can make a difference. She's speaking from her lived experience.

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Oct 16, 2023

Anthony Redefines Connection

Anthony never felt super comfortable in social situations, but using substances made him feel connected.

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Oct 3, 2023

Deanna Speaks Out for Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. In 2020, we lost over 4,000 Californians to suicide. We have the power to change that.

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Sep 20, 2023

"We Are Someone's Loved One"

Andres has a growth mindset, something he gained as a direct result of his substance use disorder and recovery.

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Sep 14, 2023

Jessica Brings Her Whole Self to Work

Not only is Jessica in recovery, she provides support to people with disabilities (including SUD) to gain employment.

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Aug 16, 2023

Mike on Learning to Love Himself

Mike's friendships, faith, and personal growth help him sustain his recovery.

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Aug 14, 2023

Hope Helps Kaley on her Recovery Journey

Kaley knows she's not alone and that substance use disorder can affect anyone.

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Jul 25, 2023

Mary's Future is Bright

Mary has big dreams and she is committed to making those dreams a reality.

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Jun 29, 2023

David's Self-Stigma Kept Him from Talking about Substance Use

As a young gay person growing up in northern Utah, David didn't feel like he fit in.

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Jun 20, 2023

Jesse Advocates for Mothers Using MOUD

Jesse loves doing arts and crafts with her sons, who are four and a half and two and a half.

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Jun 11, 2023

Ken's Family's Support Made the Difference

Ken grew up in a family that believed that substance use disorder (SUD) was a personal weakness. It was viewed as a mark of shame, so it...

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May 23, 2023

Audrey Speaks About Recognizing her Self-Worth

Friendships, feelings—many people find that using substances allows them to feel more comfortable and accepted, but substances affect...

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May 10, 2023

Bryant Talks About the Science of Addiction

Bryant shares how educating himself and those around him has helped reduce the stigma of blame.

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Dec 20, 20241 min read

Recovery Journeys

Cameron Is Proud To Be Himself

His favorite part of recovery has been thriving in his own skin and living his values.

Sean Pays It Forward by Supporting Others

Sep 20, 20241 min read

Giving Back

Sean Pays It Forward by Supporting Others

Since deciding to learn more about himself and focus on his recovery, Sean has applied what he’s learned to help others.

Melissa Found Connection in Her Recovery

Sep 11, 20241 min read

Lived Experience

Melissa Found Connection in Her Recovery

When Melissa started pursuing her recovery, she found the community and support she'd been looking for through her relationship with God.

Dr. Christina is Changing her Community Through Education and Compassion

Dr. Christina talks about what she has learned about opioid use disorder (OUD) and medications that can treat OUD.

Bryant Talks About the Science of Addiction

Bryant shares how educating himself and those around him has helped reduce the stigma of blame.

Deanna Shares the Importance of Family

Journeying Toward Hope: Supporting Her Brother's Recovery from Opioid Use Disorder and Overcoming Stigma Together.

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