How will my story be shared?

Your story will be shared in our statewide campaigns and their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter). Stories will also be shared with local community organizations supporting each campaign in changing the conversation around opioid use disorder. If at any time you decide that you would like to have your story removed from the campaign, please email us at [EMAIL].

What are opioids?

Millions of people rely on opioids every year to relieve severe pain. But the same mechanism that helps these drugs work as painkillers also makes them incredibly addictive and dangerous.

Opioids are a group of drugs that include prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine and morphine, and synthetic and illicit drugs, like fentanyl and heroin. Often, these drugs are illegally manufactured, sold, and/or laced with other common street drugs - making them even more dangerous. Despite how they're made, all opioids have a profound effect on the body and mind, and they can all lead to addiction, overdose, and death.

Because of the highly addictive nature of opioids, anyone of us can quickly become dependent and develop an opioid use disorder. In fact, rates of dependency to prescription opioids skyrocket after just 5 days. But it’s important to remember that just like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, opioid use disorder is a medical condition that can be successfully treated and managed.

How can I support the UNSHAME campaign?

There are a few ways you can support Life Unites Us:

Share your story with us

Join our online communities on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Share Life Unites Us with your friends and family

What should I do if a loved one has an OUD?

If you or someone you know is in need of support, visit the Resources page for local and national resources. If you think someone may be experiencing an opioid overdose, call 9-1-1 immediately and administer naloxone if it’s available.

Who created the UNSHAME campaign?