ADDICTION
is not a life sentence
Addiction Doesn't Discriminate
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Addiction doesn't care if you're a tattoo artist, a social worker, a teacher, or own a business. It could care less about your master's degree, that you've raised three kids, or that you work as a therapist. It's relentless.
We've connected with many highly educated people who suffered in silence for far too long before seeking help. The biggest deterrents to them asking for help were fear of judgment by co-workers, loss of professional credibility, and concerns about being seen as unstable.
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Today, they are in recovery and advocating for others' healing.
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Stigma Stops Healing
Stigma thrives in the shadows, whispering doubts and fears that keep people trapped in the cycle of addiction. But you are not alone, and you don't have to let shame silence your journey to recovery. Overcoming stigma starts with finding your voice. Share your story with someone you trust – a friend, family member, mental health worker, or support group.
Connecting with others who understand can help you realize you're not alone and that recovery is possible. By speaking openly about addiction, we challenge misconceptions and create space for healing. Every time you share your experience, you chip away at the wall of stigma, making it easier for others to seek help and find their own path to recovery.
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Therapist
Sober
Football Coach
Sober
Nurse
Sober
Board Member
Sober
Low Income & Addiction
Life throws curveballs. Sometimes those curveballs come in the form of financial struggles—a paycheck that barely covers the bills, a disability that makes work difficult, unreliable transportation, or the struggle to find subsidized housing. And when addiction enters the picture, those struggles can feel even more overwhelming.
It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking your financial challenges dictate your chances of recovery, but that's simply not the case. Countless people in California have overcome addiction while facing life's hardships, including food insecurity, mental health challenges, and even homelessness.
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No matter how desperate your situation feels, please know that you are not alone, and help is out there. Reach out to community organizations, support groups, or Behavioral Health Services. If you have a social worker or community health worker, let him or her know about your addiction struggles; they can help connect you to services. Take that first step, even if it feels impossible. You have the strength within you to fight for a better life, to rise above the challenges, and reclaim your story.
This is your journey, and there are people who believe in you, waiting to support you every step of the way.
YOUR MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
TIPS ON CHOOSING A THERAPIST
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FREE E-BOOKLET
Tips on how to choose a mental health provider and more. Free booklet from the Board of Behavioral Services in California.
More About Addiction
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Researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from substance use challenges and lead productive lives.
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Addiction is characterized by drug-seeking behavior and use that is compulsive, and very difficult to control on willpower alone, despite repeated harmful consequences. ​Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs? They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to.
In reality, addiction is a complex condition, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Alcohol and drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. The great news is help is available, and millions of people around the globe are living addiction free lifestyles, and so can you!
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TEXT SUPPORT LINE
Need a support ally, a meeting referral, or extra resources? Want to share your sobriety milestone? Text us. We're here to celebrate your recovery journey and support your growth every step of the way!