Stories shatter stigma. Every time someone with lived experience of addiction makes their voice heard, it helps remove shame, confusion, and pain.

This year, our Shatterproof Ambassadors have continued to open up about their experiences with addiction, helping to create change and make others feel less alone. Their stories are hopeful, heartbreaking, passionate, insightful — and above all, honest.

Read their stories below. And if you’re interested in joining them by becoming a Shatterproof Ambassador yourself, learn more about the program and sign up here.

Coordinated Care Saved Me from Falling Through the Cracks

"Within a week I had a prescription for Suboxone and access to support meetings. The doctor’s office called often to check in. I realized that maybe I could hang on."

Turning Alcohol Awareness Into Action

"Awareness is important. But compassionately sounding the alarm when someone needs help is a critical next step."

A Father and Daughter Connected by Recovery

"I celebrated 10 years sober in November 2020. My dad has more than 35 years under his belt."

My Recovery Makes Me a Better Mom and Daughter

"Without my recovery, I wouldn’t have been able to be there for my mom when she was sick and needed me."

Sometimes Love is Not Enough

"Realizing this is heartbreaking, and no one knows that reality more than a mom who has lost a child to substance use disorder."

Turning our Brokenness to Beauty: A Mum’s Reflection on her Beloved First Born

"Lyndsey felt ashamed, judged, and trapped by the stigma surrounding addiction for 9 long years—and so did we."

A Mother’s Wish and Mission: Change the Stigma of Addiction

"This will be my fourth Mother’s Day without my son, Jason. I often reflect on the past at this time of year."

I Attended a Naloxone Training in Memory of My Daughter. Nine Days Later, I Saved a Stranger’s Life.

"Saving his life is my sweet Brittany Rose’s legacy. Because she died, I was able to help him live."

Contingency Management Could Have Saved My Son

"This is what I live for now: the hope that my grandson’s generation will not be cast away like his father’s generation was, and that the antiquated stigma surrounding addiction will cease to exist."

Love Beats Stigma: Turning Grief into Action After an Overdose Loss

"Stigma is a powerful enemy. But we have something much more powerful. That's love."

Originally posted in 2021.