Our Stories Have Power

We’re de-stigmatizing addiction and celebrating recovery, one story at a time.

Recovery stories have power

We want to hear yours

Recovery from addiction and substance use once lived in the shadows, under the cover of anonymity. Unfortunately, because addiction stigma is so pervasive, some people still keep a shroud of secrecy around their own recovery. We want to change that.

The more awareness we can generate around addiction recovery and what it actually looks and sounds like, the easier it becomes to talk openly about it.

And the easier it is to talk about, the faster we can get boots on the ground to help people who still struggle with active addiction and unsafe drug use.

Words can make a real difference — in real time. Sharing our own recovery stories can touch things like the opioid epidemic, the incidence of overdose deaths, and continuing to hold those in power to account on policymaking and legislation.

Guest on online podcast show telling interesting story to host, captivating viewers watching during live broadcast. African american woman in studio sharing facts, surrounded by audio tech

When we recover loudly, we keep others from dying quietly.

Dr. Melissa Anderson
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Our Stories Have Power

Training Curriculum

Since 2012, tens of thousands of recovery advocates have participated in Faces & Voices of Recovery’s Our Stories Have Power (OSHP) training.

As the most popular and interactive of our signature trainings, OSHP covers a range of topics including:

  • The history of recovery advocacy
  • Stigma and the words we use
  • Elements of an effective message
  • When and where to share your story
  • Refining messages for greatest impact

Contact us to explore how we can bring this training to your organization, conference, or community.

Contact Us

we’ve made it easy

follow these steps to share your story

  1. Watch this short video for storytelling tips. Video: Telling Your Story
  2. Review the toolkit to create audio and video stories: Our Stories Have Power Toolkit
  3. Read personal story examples in the gallery below
  4. Share your story with us using the form below.

Faces & Voices of Recovery partnered with Opioid Response Network (ORN) to collect, curate, and distribute recovery stories as part of a national recovery awareness campaign.

Funding for this initiative was made possible (in part) by grant no. 1H79TI085588-02 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

View: events calendar Download: Toolkit Visit: Opiod Response Network (ORN)
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Submitted Stories

Multiple Stories, One Community

Review the personal stories of people in recovery from substance use disorders and share your story today!

Donnie Johnson

Embracing Sobriety: My Journey to Recovery Every September, Recovery Month serves as a powerful reminder of the battles fought daily by people overcoming substance use…
Read: Story Donnie Johnson

Amy Brune

My name is Amy Brune and I celebrated 10 years in recovery this year. When I was struggling I never knew of a person in…
Read: Story Amy Brune

Melissa Kebert

A Recovery Journey….I’m still here!! My journey to being an Alcoholic started way back in my childhood. My mother who had extreme mental health challenges…
Read: Story Melissa Kebert

Robert A

The Inspiring Journey of Sir Ralston Sir Ralston, the only son and third oldest child in his family, was raised in the Sandtown neighborhood of…
Read: Story Robert A

Amy Brune

I grew up with young parents. They were 18 years old, but in the early 90s, that was more typical of families in my neighborhood…
Read: Story Amy Brune

Francisco Y

Francisco Celis Yanez July 23rd 2024 cyanezfranki@gmail.com 773-630-8424 My name is Francisco Celis and the date of my last use is July the first twenty-nineteen…
Read: Story Francisco Y
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The Power of Sharing

Recovery Stories

Sharing personal recovery stories plays a crucial role in changing societal perceptions about addiction and recovery. By openly discussing recovery experiences, individuals help to eliminate stigma and provide hope to those still struggling. Faces & Voices of Recovery emphasizes that recovery is possible and should be celebrated, not hidden.

Crafting Your Powerful Recovery Story
This animated video takes you on an empowering journey, showing you exactly how to craft a recovery story that not only captivates but truly connects with others. Get ready to transform your personal experience into a powerful narrative that inspires and resonates.

Share your

Recovery Story

Recovery is everywhere. Whether you’re a person in recovery or a family member, share your story to demonstrate that recovery works for over 23 million Americans and offer hope to people who are still struggling, their families and communities. Speak out about the solution – recovery. Share your story with us as a form of inspiration and motivation for those still struggling. Then ask your friends to do the same.

    (For your own alcohol or other drug addiction.)
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY
  • Remember to keep it brief and focus on what recovery means to you!
  • Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, Max. file size: 125 MB.
    Upload your own image to help tell your story. File needs to be a .jpg, .gif, or .png, and should be at least 300 pixels wide and 160 pixels high.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.