The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the significant impact first responders can have in connecting overdose survivors to treatment. A peer support specialist will share her experiences of addiction, the trials of an overdose, and how she ultimately found the path to recovery. Throughout the story, we will pause to discuss what addiction looks like in the brain and demonstrate the reality that substance use disorder is a disease rather than a choice. It will also highlight how stigma imposed by professionals along the recovery pathway can be one of the greatest barriers to entering or sustaining recovery.The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate the significant impact first responders can have in connecting overdose survivors to treatment. A peer support specialist will share her experiences of addiction, the trials of an overdose, and how she ultimately found the path to recovery. Throughout the story, we will pause to discuss what addiction looks like in the brain and demonstrate the reality that substance use disorder is a disease rather than a choice. It will also highlight how stigma imposed by professionals along the recovery pathway can be one of the greatest barriers to entering or sustaining recovery.