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.

Make a Difference with Love

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

Oct 27, 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.

Oct 3, 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

Mike on Learning to Love Himself

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

Aug 16, 2023

Hope Helps Kaley on her Recovery Journey

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

Aug 14, 2023

Mary's Future is Bright

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

Jul 26, 2023

Alfonso Is Becoming Someone He Is Proud Of

Alfonso's experiences make him want to be a source of guidance for others on their healing journeys.

Lived Experience

1 day ago1 min read

Derrick Found His Identity Through Recovery

Derrick describes himself as someone who feels things deeply.

Lived Experience

May 61 min read

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

Ali loves the person she is today.

Lived Experience

Feb 231 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.

Alfonso Is Becoming Someone He Is Proud Of

Alfonso's experiences make him want to be a source of guidance for others on their healing journeys.

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.

Use Your Voice to Change the Narrative

Share Your Story

Stories

Make a Difference with Love

Deanna Speaks Out for Suicide Prevention Month

Heather Shares about the Chain Reaction of Kindness

Mike on Learning to Love Himself

Hope Helps Kaley on her Recovery Journey

Mary's Future is Bright

Top stories

Alfonso Is Becoming Someone He Is Proud Of

Derrick Found His Identity Through Recovery

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

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

Alfonso Is Becoming Someone He Is Proud Of

Derrick Found His Identity Through Recovery

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

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