05/05/2025
My entire life, I’ve witnessed the painful impact of substance use disorders.
Growing up, it was all around me—at school, among close friends, and even at family and cultural events. Seeing drugs and alcohol use became a normalized part of life. But over time, through personal losses and hard lessons, I began to see the deeper, recurring patterns and the devastating effects they were having on the people I cared about.
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to share some of these stories at the Mental Health Forum, stories that explain why I founded
Zen Sober Living and the difference I’m working to make.
My mission is to create a safe, supportive space where people could truly move forward in their recovery—a place to discover a better, more fulfilling life without the substances that once held them back.
The reality is, 1 in 5 Minnesotans struggles with a substance use disorder. It crosses all lines—race, income, background. Chances are, you or someone you know is affected.
If this speaks to you or someone you care about, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re not alone—there is help, and there is hope.
Hmong American Experience
Minnesota Hmong Chamber of Commerce
