In this episode, we feature the powerful personal story “Speaking Up,” found in the back of the Sixth Edition of the NA Basic Text. This deeply moving piece traces one member’s journey from childhood silence and shame, through active addiction, and into the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous—where they finally found the courage to speak their truth.

We open the episode with a full narration of the story, then sit down with the person who lived it and wrote it. In this rare and intimate conversation, they reflect on how that moment of saying “I’m an addict” for the first time was the beginning of real change. We talk about fear, vulnerability, finding connection, and how sharing—despite being terrifying—became an act of healing.

Whether you’re new to recovery or have been here a while, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone—and that our voices matter.