We are Voices from the Opioid Crisis—a living archive of raw, honest stories from those touched by addiction, recovery, and loss.
Through these voices, we confront stigma, raise awareness, and build community-driven change.
Explore personal accounts. Share your own. Connect with others. Together, we can turn pain into purpose.
Our signature program, “It’s Not You Until It Is You,” is a powerful interactive presentation that opens eyes and helps communities confront the stigma of substance use disorder. Already reaching schools and communities, it gives students, parents, and leaders the tools to face this crisis with honesty and hope.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, I delivered a presentation to 10th graders at a 7–12 high school on Long Island, visiting four health classes throughout the day. As I reviewed the student survey responses, I felt incredibly grateful. The students were fully engaged in what they saw and heard. Not only was the presentation very well received, but I was also struck by the emotional response it generated. Most importantly,
On Friday, March 13, 2026, I delivered a presentation to 10th graders at a 7–12 high school on Long Island, visiting four health classes throughout the day. As I reviewed the student survey responses, I felt incredibly grateful. The students were fully engaged in what they saw and heard. Not only was the presentation very well received, but I was also struck by the emotional
“By sharing my story publicly it took away the power of this little secret I have carried for the last several years. Sharing it takes away all the power it had over me, and I now feel free and proud of my journey.”
In his late teen years, Sam acknowledged his drug problem and realizing he needed help, took the lead in researching facilities to find a treatment program he thought would work for him. He signed himself up and went voluntarily.
Mikael was the heart of our family. He never lost his kind spirit and always made family get togethers worth going to with his dancing, jokes, playfulness, and just the love he had for his family. He didn’t have a mean bone in his body. He treated his friends like family and would give you the shirt off his back if needed.
