Our goal is not only to educate the public, but to foster resilience, strength, and connection among those who before recovery felt so alone. Our work inspires people and turns hopelessness and hate into hope and love. We're changing the way the world sees people with addiction, one powerful story at a time.
Ashley Riley
My advocacy began in 2016 while I was a student at Colorado State University. There, I created a Collegiate Recovery Program that assisted students with addiction and mental health conditions. As part of this effort, I also advocated for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
I've been a loyal ally of Shatterproof since I started my recovery journey at the age of 21. I’ve been in recovery for more than eight years now, and I’m thrilled to be part of a movement to help people suffering from addiction. My personal mission is to make sure people have the right tools to tell their stories and a safe place to share them. No one deserves to be alone while trying to get better.
I am committed to finding real solutions to the opioid epidemic. With the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort, I oversee UNSHAME Kentucky. Together, we work to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. We do this by gathering stories from people in recovery, or their loved ones. Sharing these stories with people who may not know anyone in recovery fosters empathy and understanding. I also create webinars involving speakers, panelists, and subject matter experts to increase awareness and support people with this medical condition.
My work helps to dismantle the false beliefs many people have about substance use. By sharing multifaceted stories and helpful resources, we strive to create a more informed and understanding community.
I am proud to be an example of how recovery is possible and to prove to others that there is life beyond addiction. I walk in the world as the person I'm meant to be, not as someone who feels unworthy due to her past. I am a good-hearted person with a big heart, but I made poor decisions as a teenager and young adult because of my addiction. Now, as an adult, I get to help others in similar situations. I get to help them tell their stories to reduce the stigma associated with drug use. It’s empowering for them and for me.
In recovery, people become more aware of their strengths. Our goal is not only to educate the public, but to foster resilience, strength, and connection among those who -- before recovery -- felt so alone. Our work inspires people and turn hopelessness and hate into hope and love. We're changing the way the world sees people with addiction, one powerful story at a time.
