The opioid crisis affects everyone. Whether you're experiencing addiction, on the path to recovery, or supporting a loved one’s journey, Someone You Know® can help inspire hope and support recovery.
FIND HELP HEAR PERSONAL STORIES
The most beneficial thing for me was this other human being who had gone through it. And as time went on, I found that the desire to use drugs seemed to fade away through this relationship.
My advice to the parents or grandparents who have loved ones in this situation? Be mindful. Pay more attention. Be involved in what your kids are doing.
I just got fed up with who I was and was willing to do whatever I needed to do to make a change.
The best part of recovery for me is just knowing my family is proud of me.
My advice to others who have lost a child is just to find a group of people that understands and gets it because we’re not alone.
We learn from our mistakes. And if you learn from your mistakes, you know that makes you a stronger person.
If you are a college student struggling with substance use disorder, you are not alone. Embrace what you're feeling. Don't be afraid of judgment.
I think change comes from the inside, and that is what gives me, every day, the passion, the will and the desire to help another person.
Recovery for me isn't about what we give up. It isn't about what we abstain from. It's about everything we gain; it's about everything that we recover, everything that we build for ourselves.
I had to start to think more positive and be more optimistic. It's bad today, but I woke up today.
I want people to know that recovery can be amazing. I’m in recovery, and I’m a father, I’m a son, I’m a veteran and recovery is possible.
I am a grandmother, I am an artist, I am a community leader. I am someone you know.
I did notice in his early high school years a change in who he was hanging out with and what he was doing.
We need to be compassionate to everyone. They are somebody's family and they deserve the chance to survive.
That's when things got bad, and I knew I was dealing with something bigger than what I thought.
Remember the kid that they were. Remember that little kid that you love.
I developed a dependency to prescription pain medication. That led into a life of addiction.
The Independence Blue Cross Foundation’s Supporting Treatment and Overdose Prevention (STOP) Initiative is combating the opioid epidemic through leveraging cross-sector collaboration, enabling community partners, empowering nurses, and prevention. Below are resources for accessing help.
SAMHSA's National HelplineA confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders, call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
NaloxoneTo obtain a Naloxone prescription and find training locations.
To find a location to safely dispose of unused or expired medication:
Search by County Search by Zip CodeThe Someone You Know podcast shares personal stories of bravery, empowerment, and recovery. Subscribe now or download from your favorite podcast player to hear inspiring stories that challenge stigma and humanize the disease of addiction.
We invite you to join the movement by continuing the conversation in your communities and on Twitter using #SYKopioids and #PHLOpioids.
As part of the Foundation’s efforts to address the opioid crisis, we’re working with local government agencies, schools, community-based organizations, and health care providers to humanize addiction and remove stigma as a barrier to treating Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). Through these collaborations, we are sharing impactful stories about those affected by OUD and are inviting community members to join us in the campaign to remove the stigma of addiction, raise awareness, share their experiences, and find resources for help.
Follow #SYKopioids on Twitter to hear impactful stories from those affected by Opioid Use Disorder.
Follow #PHLOpioids on Twitter to learn more about regional initiatives related to Opioid Use Disorder.
