What is the best way to support a consumer who wants to share their recovery story publicly, with their consent?

• A. Push for immediate public speaking engagements.
• B. Help plan and identify appropriate venues and obtain consent.
• C. Require them to speak publicly.
• D. Discourage public sharing altogether.

Answer: (B)

Supporting autonomy and informed consent is the main idea here. The best approach is to partner with the consumer to plan how they share their recovery story in a way that aligns with their goals and comfort level. Start with an open, collaborative conversation to clarify what they want to achieve, who the audience might be, and how much detail they’re willing to disclose. Then help identify appropriate venues and opportunities that fit those goals, while making sure consent for each step is explicit, voluntary, and revisitable. Provide a clear overview of potential benefits and risks, privacy considerations, and boundaries around what will be shared, so they can make an informed choice. Assist with practical planning—practice or rehearsal, selecting supportive, trauma-informed environments, arranging a trusted peer or facilitator, and ensuring accessibility and safety measures are in place. Equip them with coping strategies for handling questions or emotional triggers and ensure they know they can pause, modify, or withdraw their consent at any time. It’s about offering options and supporting the decision they make, not pushing for immediate public speaking, not pressuring them to share, and not discouraging them from choosing a private or smaller-scale option if that’s what they prefer.