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.

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 17, 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 18, 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

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

Ali loves the person she is today.

Lived Experience

7 days ago1 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

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

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.

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.

Brooke’s Faith Is a Positive Force in Her Life

"We're all part of something so much bigger," Brooke reminds us.

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Stories

Three Veterans Tell Their Story of Recovery and Community

Bill Turns His Experience Into Connection

Veronika Wants To Normalize Conversations Around Substance Use

Marissa Aims To Be There for Others

Tessa Explains What Harm Reduction Means to Them

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

Tessa Wants To Educate Young People on Harm Reduction

Jason’s Experiences Inspired Him To Help Others

Tim's Story as a Veteran in Recovery

Obinna Teaches Positive Self Talk

Audrey Speaks About Recognizing her Self-Worth

Top stories

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

Brooke’s Faith Is a Positive Force in Her 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

Ali Reminds Us To Let Go of Shame

Veronika's Community Helped Shape Her

Brooke’s Faith Is a Positive Force in Her Life

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