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.

Marion's Advice for Talking with our Loved Ones

Marion's loss has inspired her to take action.

Nov 16, 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.

Sep 6, 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...

Jun 11, 2023

Bryant Talks About the Science of Addiction

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

May 10, 2023

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

Ali loves the person she is today.

Lived Experience

Feb 231 min read

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

Through volunteering, she found people who looked out for her and inspired her to move forward without substances.

Harm Reduction

May 5, 20251 min read

Brooke’s Faith Is a Positive Force in Her Life

"We're all part of something so much bigger," Brooke reminds us.

Recovery Journeys

Apr 22, 20251 min read

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.

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

Ali loves the person she is today.

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

Through volunteering, she found people who looked out for her and inspired her to move forward without substances.

Brooke’s Faith Is a Positive Force in Her Life

"We're all part of something so much bigger," Brooke reminds us.

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Stories

Marion's Advice for Talking with our Loved Ones

Heather Shares about the Chain Reaction of Kindness

Ken's Family's Support Made the Difference

Bryant Talks About the Science of Addiction

Top stories

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

Brooke’s Faith Is a Positive Force in Her Life

Dr. Christina is Changing her Community Through Education and Compassion

Bryant Talks About the Science of Addiction

Deanna Shares the Importance of Family

Most read

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

Brooke’s Faith Is a Positive Force in Her Life

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