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.

Danny Talks About How Addiction Can Happen to Anyone

Danny wants to honor Kathy's life and memory.

Jan 30, 2024

Jessica Learned to Ask for Help

Jessica's life changed with just one TikTok video.

Jan 22, 2024

Juli Takes Action

Addiction didn't run in Tyler's family.

Jan 12, 2024

Conrad's Message: People Need People

Human connection has been key to Conrad's healing.

Jan 10, 2024

How MAT Helped Nikki to Heal

Nikki's doctors prescribed her opioids for her chronic pain condition.

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).

Jan 4, 2024

12 1315 16

Derrick Found His Identity Through Recovery

Derrick describes himself as someone who feels things deeply.

Lived Experience

14 hours ago1 min read

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

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.

Derrick Found His Identity Through Recovery

Derrick describes himself as someone who feels things deeply.

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.

Use Your Voice to Change the Narrative

Share Your Story

Stories

Danny Talks About How Addiction Can Happen to Anyone

Jessica Learned to Ask for Help

Juli Takes Action

Conrad's Message: People Need People

How MAT Helped Nikki to Heal

Support & Acceptance Can Make All the Difference

Top stories

Derrick Found His Identity Through Recovery

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

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

Derrick Found His Identity Through Recovery

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

Get Monthly Updates