If you are an American, addiction to alcohol and other drugs is the most important election-year issue in 2016 - period. This past year, I lost 4 close friends to fatal overdoses. People who weren't as lucky as me to get the help that they needed so that they too could experience the hope and joy that recovery brings back into our lives. This makes me angry.

But I want to figure out a way to turn my anger into action.

So with the help from my community and over 70 young people in recovery in California, I was elected as a delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

It wasn't until recently that I realized the power of our personal stories who have been directly impacted by addiction. And I want to make sure that the voices of those still suffering, those who have lost loved ones, those in recovery, and their families are heard loud in clear during this very important election cycle. No matter what party one is affliated with - the addiction crisis impacts all of us, and we must come together and demand change from our elected leaders.

Just 17 month ago, I wasn't sure if I was going to live or die, but because of access to treatment, I now live a very different life in recovery. Unfortunately, not all are as fortunate as I was. We must increase access to treatment and recovery services, prioritize health-centered programs over criminal justice-centered responses, and invest in evidence-based prevention methods. This would be a good start. And with the help of Facing Addiction's Action Agenda, we can make these national priorities a reality. But I can't do this alone, I need your help.

I'll be leaving Los Angeles on July 8th to drive across the country - arriving in Philadelphia on July 24th. Along the way, I'll be meeting with people still affected by the horrors of addiction, individuals who've found long-term recovery, and spotlight some extraordinary souls who are making tremendous impacts in their communties.

It's my hope that when I arrive at the convention, you'll be with me too. Our strength is in our numbers and never before have we had such an historic opportunity at a national party convention. Let's show America what recovering out loud is all about. With your help, the Facing Addiction action agenda can shape the future of addiction solutions for decades to come.

Please donate what you can today. We can save the lives of so many and ensure that recovery is accesible and available all across America.

FACING ADDICTION INC

Facing Addiction Inc. is a national non-profit organization dedicated to finding solutions to the addiction crisis by unifying the voice of the over 45 million Americans and their families directly impacted by addiction.

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Ryan Hampton

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