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.

Nov 26

Luis’s Wife Inspired Him To Try Self-Care

For Luis, family has been everything on his journey.

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Oct 14

Tiana and Her Mom Rediscovered Their Closeness

Tiana's relationship with her mom has always been important to her.

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Jul 17

Robert Knows How Powerful Support Can Be

Positive change is possible when we support a friend or family member with substance use disorder (SUD).

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May 3

Julio Wants to Help Others Thrive

Help can come from all sorts of people in our communities.

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Apr 5

Yerson Learned How to Express Himself

Growth and connection can happen within a family at any point, and it starts with speaking up.

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Feb 14

Anna's Family is Her Motivation

Family has always been a big part of Anna's life.

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Dec 14, 2023

Yerson Gets Honest About Overdose

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

3 views

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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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...

1 view

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.

1 view

May 9, 2023

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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Dec 201 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 201 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 111 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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