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.

Oct 7, 2024

Theresa Finds Joy in Motherhood

Theresa wanted to be as present as possible for her children, which inspired her to pursue treatment for her substance use disorder (SUD).

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Sep 20, 2024

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.

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Jul 24, 2024

Anthony Found Treatment That Works for Him

MAT, or Medication for Addiction Treatment, has helped Anthony live the life he always wanted.

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Jul 17, 2024

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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Jun 26, 2024

Hilary Is Learning To Love Herself

Showing up and showing we care can make all the difference in a person’s recovery journey.

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Jun 21, 2024

Diana Embraces a Fresh Start

As Diana says, "Every flower that ever bloomed had to go through a whole lot of dirt to get there.”

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May 31, 2024

Mike Uplifts His Community

Mike's community has shown him a lot of love, and he loves to pay it forward and show his community love right back.

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Apr 24, 2024

Crystal Prioritizes Being Outdoors to Treat Her Mental Health

In recovery, Crystal's been resourceful in finding ways to take care of herself.

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Apr 5, 2024

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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Apr 4, 2024

Pranom Found Care in her Native Language

It's not always easy for Pranom to communicate her needs because English is her second language.

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Feb 14, 2024

Anna's Family is Her Motivation

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

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Jan 22, 2024

Jessica Learned to Ask for Help

Jessica's life changed with just one TikTok video.

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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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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 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 6, 2023

Heather Shares about the Chain Reaction of Kindness

When Heather was using substances, the people who showed her kindness made the difference. Now she wants to pass that kindness on.

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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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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.

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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