Recovery from substance use disorder and mental health challenges is often misunderstood as a single transformation—like crossing a finish line or flipping a switch. But anyone who has been on the path of recovery, or walked alongside someone who has, knows the truth:

I used to think I was broken—too sensitive, too emotional, too reactive, too much, or not enough. But the truth is, I wasn't hurt; I was grieving. And not the kind of grief that earns sympathy cards. I wasn't mourning someone who passed away; I was grieving someone who was right in front of me—my mom. 

The phrase "Lived Experience" represents a growing movement in the field of substance use disorder (SUD) recovery, emphasizing the powerful effect of individuals sharing their journeys to inspire hope and foster healing in others.