News & articles

Headlines have shown us that overdose fatalities are increasing nationwide. But these headlines really don’t show the actual human and community impact of the overdose crisis we are all living in.

People constantly asked me, “So what’s your clean date?” I almost felt like I didn’t belong or that I was an imposter, because ultimately I didn’t have a clean date.

When I called the treatment facility about getting a bed for detox, I knew I would have to figure out how being trans was going to work in a facility that divides people’s housing and their care into units based on gender.

At that moment, I became keenly aware of my privilege as a white woman in recovery. Now, I endeavor to use my privilege to support these communities—and we all have opportunities to offer support by using our privilege.

As time went on, I began to realize the weight that the diagnosis carried... But that stigma and those perceived traits are not who we are. I want you to know that we have the right to advocate for better treatment, for fair treatment.

With 26 years of recovery behind him, peer specialist Dave reflects on his challenging journey and offers wisdom he's found along the way.