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

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

Danny's Message: It's Okay to Talk About Addiction

Danny and his wife Kathy owned a gourmet grocery store in Sacramento together.

Aug 1, 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 12, 2023

Damonte Leads With Empathy in Everything He Does

Damonte's kindness and openness show others that recovery is possible, no matter where they begin.

Lived Experience

3 days ago1 min read

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

Jun 131 min read

Derrick Found His Identity Through Recovery

Derrick describes himself as someone who feels things deeply.

Lived Experience

May 61 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.

Damonte Leads With Empathy in Everything He Does

Damonte's kindness and openness show others that recovery is possible, no matter where they begin.

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.

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Stories

Danny Talks About How Addiction Can Happen to Anyone

Support & Acceptance Can Make All the Difference

Danny's Message: It's Okay to Talk About Addiction

Ken's Family's Support Made the Difference

Top stories

Damonte Leads With Empathy in Everything He Does

Alfonso Is Becoming Someone He Is Proud Of

Derrick Found His Identity Through Recovery

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

Damonte Leads With Empathy in Everything He Does

Alfonso Is Becoming Someone He Is Proud Of

Derrick Found His Identity Through Recovery

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