Personal Stories

Get advice and perspective from families who have also been impacted by substance use or addiction.

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Changing My Story

I’ve learned from my mistakes and the consequences of my actions, and my kids know my recovery story.

My Recovery Journey is My Own, but It’s a Path I Share with Others

That’s the thing about being in recovery. Our stories aren’t just similar. Sometimes they can be exactly the same. Every meeting, there’s a beautiful, messy and powerful community of shared stories. Stories that I hope will help someone else.

Addiction comes in many forms. This is my story.

Addiction comes in so many forms, and I think mental health and its connection to substance use disorders are not talked about enough. So, I’m talking about it, and this is my story.

Families Can Heal – Mine is Still Healing

I’ll never forget the day my father told me he struggled with drug addiction. I was in the second grade.

O’Neil, Founder of Bonfire, on Recovery, Animation and Mascot Cats

I really wanted this opportunity to help guide people to a reliable resource for addiction information and support. It's something I wish I'd had and something I have seen friends and family struggle to find.

When I’m Running Out of Energy, I Think of Others Who Have Struggled with Addiction

Partners for Hope Marathon team member Jason Brown shares his recovery journey, which has included lots of running. Writes Jason, "Today, for Dominick, I see it as my responsibility to keep him away from the path that I took those years ago, and with this responsibility comes the need for honesty and communication."

Finding a Middle Ground: My Parents and Recovery

I attribute the gift of starting my recovery journey almost entirely to my family.

Reflecting on My Addiction and Recovery, Then and Now

I am but one of tens of millions of incredible recovery stories. Let’s find yours.

My Big Brother’s Journey to Overcome His Addiction

When I saw Neil for the first time after he had left for rehab, I immediately knew my brother was coming back to us.

Coping with Addiction & Recovery During the Holidays

Our daughter’s addiction, and newly found recovery, added to the family tension during the holidays. Here's how we learned to cope.

What You Shouldn’t Expect When Your Child Is in Recovery

After treatment, the main question is usually, “What now?” As a young person in recovery myself, I might not be able to tell you what to expect — but I feel I can at least tell you what not to expect.

Finding a Home in Collegiate Recovery

The typical college environment is not conducive to a life in recovery — until Timothy discovered his school’s collegiate recovery program.

There Is Hope in Recovery from Addiction, and My Son Is Proof

I learned that addiction hijacks the brain's ability to make rational decisions — and that I didn't cause it, can't cure it and can't control it.

Grieving the Living

There is no other word but grief when your child is lost in the haze of drug addiction. But your child is still there. There are paths to hope.

Keegan Wicks’ Story

In my family, addiction was treated with the same love and affection as if I had suffered from any other potentially fatal illness.

Withdrawing from “Withdrawal”: The Language of Addiction Matters

We need to change language like junkie, addict, and alcoholic if we are to lessen the stigma and negativity that saturates the perception of drug addiction.

Does Relapse Mean Failure?

For this father, it took time to learn that relapse can be a natural part of addiction recovery.

I See Myself in Every Young Person With Addiction. This Is What I Want Parents To Know.

Here are a few things I’d like parents to know so they can best help their child – and themselves – through treatment and recovery.

An Open Letter to My Son

The path to recovery is difficult. But please know you are not walking alone in addiction– hands of help are reaching out to you with your every step.

My Story of Recovery From Stimulant Use

I am grateful for the responsibilities that life presents and, thanks to recovery, I am prepared to face them.

Thanks For Never Giving Up On My Struggle With Addiction, Dad.

Dear Dad, I am grateful for all that you have done during my addiction and continue to do for me. I would not be alive and well today if it weren’t for you.