Share Your Recovery Story with The Real Story
Share Your Addiction & Recovery Story
The Real Story welcomes individuals in recovery, families, advocates, professionals, and community members who want to share experiences that may help others understand addiction and recovery.
Every recovery journey is different, but every story has the power to remind someone that they are not alone.
Whether you're living in recovery, supporting a loved one, working in the recovery community, or simply have a message of hope to share, we'd be honored to hear your story.
By sharing your experience, you can help reduce stigma, encourage healing, and inspire someone who may be searching for hope today.
Your story may be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.
What Can You Share?
There isn't one "right" way to tell your story. Whether your story is a few paragraphs or several pages, we welcome authentic experiences shared with honesty and compassion. You might choose to write about:
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Your experience with addiction
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Your recovery journey
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A turning point that changed your life
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Supporting a loved one through addiction
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Mental health and recovery
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Life after treatment
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Lessons you've learned
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Words of encouragement for others
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How hope found you
Submission Guidelines
To help us create a safe and supportive space for everyone, please keep these guidelines in mind. Our editorial team may make minor edits for grammar, clarity, or formatting while preserving the heart of your story. We reserve the right not to publish submissions that don't align with our community standards. Similar guidelines are used by recovery organizations that publish community stories.
Please Do
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Share your authentic experience.
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Write respectfully.
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Focus on hope, healing, and growth whenever possible.
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You may submit anonymously if you prefer.
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Mention names only with permission.
Please Avoid
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Graphic descriptions of substance use.
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Hate speech or offensive language.
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Medical or legal advice.
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Information that could compromise someone else's privacy.
Before You Submit
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Sharing your story is completely voluntary.
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You can choose whether you'd like your name published.
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If your story is selected, it may appear on our website or social media channels.
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By submitting your story, you grant Real Stories of Addiction & Hope permission to publish your content while retaining ownership of your personal story.
Your Story Submission Form
Every Story Matters
No matter where you are in your journey, thank you for considering sharing your experience.
Recovery isn't always linear, and healing looks different for everyone. By speaking openly, you're helping build a community rooted in compassion, understanding, and hope.
Someone you've never met may find strength because you chose to tell your story.