Beth has been in recovery for 31 years. She says, "It doesn't happen in one day. It takes a long time to gain the fortitude, to get healthy, to be grateful, to be clean and sober."
Stories of recovery have the power to change viewpoints. They show how recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) is achievable and reveal the impact that treatment and compassionate care can make in a person’s life.
The posters in this gallery can be displayed in patient care settings to promote an environment free of SUD stigma. QR codes on the posters link to videos where individuals share their stories. These materials also help connect patients, their families, and friends with treatment resources.
Learn more about addressing stigma in care settings.
Charles's Story
Charles has been in recovery for 38 years and helps individuals with SUD as an addiction therapist. “Recovery is my work, it’s my ministry,” he says. “Recovery actually works, but you have to work at it.”
Chris's Story
Now in recovery from SUD, Chris says, “My life has become so much more than I ever expected it would be. I have a sense of purpose. I have beautiful relationships in my life.”
Gary's Story
Gary has been in recovery for 22 years. He has many nieces and nephews and loves being “Uncle Gary.” “I love my life,” he says.
Javier's Story
Javier cares for his children and works at an HVAC company. An ED doctor helped him connect with an outpatient program and start his recovery. He had “been stigmatized before,” he says, but he did call the program “because it really showed me that somebody cared.”
Patrick's Story
Patrick, a construction worker who is 8 years in recovery, was highly stigmatized in the ED until a welcoming encounter with an ED provider who showed genuine interest in him.
Stephanie's Story
Stephanie, a mother and homeowner who is 6 years in recovery, shares her experiences and achievements.
Dr. Malcho's Story
Dr. Malcho, an emergency physician certified in addiction medicine, expresses the opportunity to make a difference. “You have the ability to be there at a critical moment to change [a patient’s] life,” she says. “And if you meet them where they are, you can do that.”
Dr. Nacca's Story
Nicholas Nacca, MD, cares for patients in the ED and also has a background in addiction medicine. When working with patients with SUD, he tries to learn more about their experiences, and he encourages other providers to have these discussions.