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.

Valerie Believes Every Person Deserves Kindness

Valerie is committed to helping folks access the care they need to recover.

Apr 8

Melissa Explains Why Everyone Should Carry Naloxone

Melissa siente una gran pasión por enseñar a otras personas cómo usar la naloxona.

Mar 29

Amber Treats Every Patient With Compassion

Amber brings compassion to her work as an emergency room nurse.

Mar 20

Three Veterans Tell Their Story of Recovery and Community

Not every battle ends on the battlefield.

Dec 2, 2025

Bill Turns His Experience Into Connection

Today, he sees himself as a real team player.

Nov 7, 2025

Veronika Wants To Normalize Conversations Around Substance Use

Talking about substance use doesn’t have to be taboo.

Jun 18, 2025

Marissa Aims To Be There for Others

Marissa's desire to work in the harm reduction field and support people with substance use disorder comes from a personal place.

Jun 10, 2025

Tessa Explains What Harm Reduction Means to Them

Working in harm reduction has helped Tessa live a life full of compassion for others.

May 19, 2025

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

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

May 5, 2025

Tessa Wants To Educate Young People on Harm Reduction

When Tessa’s daughter asked for harm reduction tools like fentanyl test strips and naloxone, Tessa shared them to help her daughter and frie

Jan 21, 2025

Jason’s Experiences Inspired Him To Help Others

Through his recovery from substance use disorder, he’s found a career in the treatment field.

Jan 12, 2025

Tim's Story as a Veteran in Recovery

Tim's a veteran. He's also a hero in his personal life.

Feb 14, 2024

Obinna Teaches Positive Self Talk

Today, Obinna's smile can light up a room.

Dec 5, 2023

Audrey Speaks About Recognizing her Self-Worth

Friendships, feelings—many people find that using substances allows them to feel more comfortable and accepted, but substances affect...

May 23, 2023

Alfonso Believes the Right Treatment Changed Everything

Alfonso found a medication for addiction treatment (MAT) plan that fit his needs and helped with his withdrawal symptoms during recovery from substance use disorder.

MAT

Jul 101 min read

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

Jun 221 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

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 Believes the Right Treatment Changed Everything

Alfonso found a medication for addiction treatment (MAT) plan that fit his needs and helped with his withdrawal symptoms during recovery from substance use disorder.