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
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.
He gave back to his community by working food drives at local businesses. He mentored a few of the neighborhood kids and took them under his wing to keep them out of trouble. This was all until Mikey became addicted to pain pills.
Kyle was a sweet, sensitive, affectionate little boy and continued to be into his teenage and adult years.
