“I became addicted to opiates at the age of 19. A year later, I knew that I wanted I wanted to quit for good and yet it took me over 10 years to finally sustain my recovery. During that time, I was on methadone and suboxone twice and both times they helped save my life and bring some a sense of normalcy to it. The stigma, shame and guilt I felt for being on these medicines kept me recovering in the shadows. If I could go back in time knowing how everything worked out for me, I would have recovered loudly and proudly out loud. I encourage anyone utilizing MOUD to do just that!”
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Ken Clowes
“I stopped using heroin in 2005 with the help of methadone and suboxone, both of which were amazing tools in the deep toolbox of my recovery. I've rarely felt comfortable sharing that part of my recovery story in traditional 12-step groups for fear that the stigma MOUD carries would exclude me from making lasting relationships or bonding with people in those spaces. Slowly, as more people take advantage of the life-saving opportunity available with MOUD (and are willing to do it openly!), the stigma is decreasing.”
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Sarah Shotland
“I came to a crossroads in my life where I had to embrace and accept methadone as being a positive part of my recovery and also a part of myself as a good mom. For a long time, I felt like I had to hide it because using medication would have reflected negatively on me as a mother. Now I believe both things can be true: I can use MOUD for my recovery and be a good mom. And in my work, I want to instill that feeling in other people who feel forced onto this medication due to pregnancy. Back when I started on the medication, I wish I had someone to give me security and understanding about this path to recovery.”
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Cambria King