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.

Catherine Knows Everyone Deserves Safety and Care

Catherine works in public health and focuses on helping people make safe choices if they use substances.

Dec 26, 2024

Brittany Encourages People To Believe in Themselves

Brittany's on a recovery journey, learning to love herself the way she deserves.

Dec 6, 2024

Melissa Helps Others Feel Welcomed

Melissa reminds us that it’s important to accept everyone we meet, including people who use substances.

Nov 20, 2024

Danny’s Faith Helped Him To Give Back

When Danny was a youth in prison, he started writing about his life and his faith.

Nov 12, 2024

Kaly Provides Support Without Judgment

Kaly's harm reduction approach means meeting people where they are and creating a safe space for them.

Oct 21, 2024

Catherine Talks about Maximizing Human Potential through Harm Reduction

Catherine believes in the profound strength of the human spirit and knows that people can accomplish incredible things, no matter their circ

Aug 29, 2024

Marissa Knows It's All About Support

Marissa and her team don't just offer supplies and resources, but they offer connection without judgment.

Aug 22, 2024

Mike Inspires Us to Be Free of Judgment

He knows that all people are worthy of love and compassion.

Aug 14, 2024

Kaly Knows that Naloxone Saves Lives

Two people are alive because Kaly used a simple harm reduction tool: naloxone.

Aug 13, 2024

Julio Wants to Help Others Thrive

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

May 3, 2024

Danny Talks About How Addiction Can Happen to Anyone

Danny wants to honor Kathy's life and memory.

Jan 30, 2024

Juli Takes Action

Addiction didn't run in Tyler's family.

Jan 12, 2024

"We Are Someone's Loved One"

Andres has a growth mindset, something he gained as a direct result of his substance use disorder and recovery.

Sep 20, 2023

Danielle and BriarPatch Food Co-op Take Action for their Community

“I love that I get an opportunity to show up and help somebody in some, maybe small and meaningful way every day.”

Aug 31, 2023

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

Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) Changed Sarina’s Life

Thanks to MAT, Sarina’s been able to reach her personal goals and become a more present mom.

MAT

Feb 8, 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.

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.

Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) Changed Sarina’s Life

Thanks to MAT, Sarina’s been able to reach her personal goals and become a more present mom.

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Stories

Catherine Knows Everyone Deserves Safety and Care

Brittany Encourages People To Believe in Themselves

Melissa Helps Others Feel Welcomed

Danny’s Faith Helped Him To Give Back

Kaly Provides Support Without Judgment

Catherine Talks about Maximizing Human Potential through Harm Reduction

Marissa Knows It's All About Support

Mike Inspires Us to Be Free of Judgment

Kaly Knows that Naloxone Saves Lives

Julio Wants to Help Others Thrive

Danny Talks About How Addiction Can Happen to Anyone

Juli Takes Action

"We Are Someone's Loved One"

Danielle and BriarPatch Food Co-op Take Action for their Community

Top stories

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

Brooke’s Faith Is a Positive Force in Her Life

Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) Changed Sarina’s 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

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

Brooke’s Faith Is a Positive Force in Her Life

Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT) Changed Sarina’s Life

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