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Stories
Personal stories have the power to connect and inspire people across North Carolina. They bring our experiences to life, while encouraging understanding, empathy, and hope. Unshame North Carolina is dedicated to raising up the voices of individuals impacted by substance use disorder (SUD). Browse our library to hear their stories.


A Story of Faith & Love: Lexie's Journey of Recovery
Lexie’s faith has guided his recovery and inspired him to help others begin their own healing journeys. Through love and understanding, he shows that faith is stronger than stigma. Lexie’s relationship with God has helped to keep him strong and motivated in his recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). His faith is also what led him to start working in the recovery field. Today, Lexie supports other people with substance use disorders (SUDs) as they begin their own recovery
Oct 13, 2025


The Power of Sharing Your Story: John's Story of Inspiration & Hope
John channels his journey with substance use disorder into sharing stories that inspire understanding and hope. He’s focused on recovery and building a life he’s proud of—showing that healing is possible for everyone. Substance use disorder (SUD) has touched John’s life in many ways. That’s why he believes it’s so important to share stories and information with others—to help open people’s ears and hearts. Today, John pours his energy into staying focused on recovery and buil
Oct 13, 2025


The Power of Support in Recovery | Lauren’s Journey with MOUD
With her mom’s support and encouragement from peers about MOUD, Lauren found the tools she needed for recovery. Today, she’s built a life she’s proud of and a loving family that means everything to her. Support from Lauren’s mom and advice from her peers about medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) were two big parts of her recovery journey. She's proof that having the right tools, care, and support can make all the difference. 💙 Today, Lauren has a family she loves with
Aug 25, 2025


Dane’s Journey: Family, Resilience, and Harm Reduction
Dane is grateful for the support he received through harm reduction, which helped him achieve so much and strengthen his family bonds. Inspired by his journey, he now works in harm reduction to uplift others and continue reaching for new possibilities. Dane’s journey was made possible because of people working in harm reduction. He is so proud of all that he’s been able to achieve over the course of his life, and he’s grateful for the ways it has brought his family together.
Aug 25, 2025


Recovery, Connection, and Hope: Michael’s Journey
When Michael recognized how substance use was affecting his behavior and pulling him away from the life he wanted, he decided to pursue recovery with the support of a caring community. Along the way, he rebuilt meaningful connections and found purpose in helping others on similar journeys. When Michael began to see how substance use was changing his behavior and distancing him from the life he wanted, he made the courageous decision to step into recovery. With the unwavering
Jul 14, 2025


Faith, Recovery, and Second Chances: Reverend Philip’s Story of Hope.
Reverend Philip shares how his journey through substance use disorder and incarceration led to a powerful transformation rooted in faith. Once burdened by shame and fear, he now advocates for Recovery Friendly Churches as spaces of grace, healing, and second chances. Reverend Philip shares a powerful testimony of his journey through substance use disorder (SUD) and the deep, evolving connection between that experience and his faith. For years, he grappled with overwhelming sh
Jul 14, 2025
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