The stories we’re told about people with substance use disorder (SUD) shape how we treat one another. “I think a lot of people are just ready to write somebody off rather than provide the same level of resources that they would someone who they didn’t know was in treatment or recovery,” Bret says.

But things are changing in Georgia, thanks to Bret and so many others affected by SUD. “I need to do my part,” he says. “I think one of the best ways to do that is by telling your story and letting people know that we can and do recover. I have great relationships with my family today. I work at [an] organization that helped me so much while I was in school. Having a place where I could show up and support others, and in turn have them support me as well, was really important.”

Tell your story, and we’ll help it reach far and wide. Follow @GARecovers #GARecovers #GARecoversTogether