How do we break the stigma around addiction and mental health support for people of color? It’s important that different communities are able to change that narrative so everyone is provided the adequate support they need.

On today’s episode, Duane speaks with Jessica Dueñas who shares her story of addiction, recovery, and using her voice to help other people find their way out of pain. Jessica started with binge eating in her bedroom as a Latina girl growing up in New York City. By the time she got to college, her addiction had morphed into alcoholism. Years later, she was awarded Teacher of the Year in Kentucky but was still drinking a fifth of bourbon a day – a secret she had to hide from her peers, friends, and students.

When she found her boyfriend lifeless from a drug overdose in his apartment, Jessica got out of control and deeper into her addiction, nearly dying herself in the months after his passing. Ultimately, she found recovery and has been sober since November 2020.

Listen in as Jessica shares her story to help break the stigma of addiction and mental health treatment. Through her platform, Bottomless to Sober, she shares stories of people's recovery and continues to break the stigma of addiction. 

In this episode, you will hear:

• Drinking through the pain and pressure to be perfect as an immigrant
• The decision to step forward and speak up about her story
• What it was like for her to bring mental health issues into the light
• Breaking the stigma around mental health support for people of color
• Specific issues people of color face when getting treatment
• The importance of cultural competence in mental health care
• The power of sharing your story to help others

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Supporting Resources:

https://www.bottomlesstosober.com/ 

NovusMindfulLife.com

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748 

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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