addiction

Drug overdose deaths are rising more rapidly among Black and Indigenous Americans than they are among white people — and Minnesota’s disparities are the worst in the nation.

“All of a sudden you feel like somebody has your back and you matter. You are not just an addict. That grace is huge.” — April Chouinard

I am able to talk freely about my story without judgment and with total acceptance. This has changed my life.

Somebody came into my office and said ‘I relapsed yesterday. I already talked to my probation officer. I already have my bags packed to go to treatment.’ That is success for that person.

Naloxone Finder Map, Monthly Addiction Treatment Shot, Mental Health Crisis Response

Bit by bit, I shared more of my truth, however ugly, each time I returned.

Why can’t we reward and celebrate the people who seek help?

Our role is not to “fix what is wrong.”

We often do not treat people who are seeking help for a drug addiction with empathy. We treat them with judgment and scorn.

We help people understand that substance use disorders are a brain disease, and that recovery is possible.