Restoring Hope: How Faith and Community Can Overcome the Opioid Crisis

The opioid crisis is not just an individual struggle—it is a community-wide issue that affects families, neighborhoods, and future generations. Katrina Tanner, Chief Operating Officer at CAE, is taking a stand through a powerful docuseries, shedding light on the devastating impact of addiction and the urgent need for collective action.

A Personal Mission 

Katrina’s passion for tackling the opioid epidemic stems from personal experience. Growing up in a household where drug use was prevalent, she witnessed firsthand how addiction can tear families apart. She recalls feeling embarrassed and ashamed, watching loved ones battle substance abuse while struggling to find a way forward.

Fortunately, Katrina never turned to drugs herself, but the pain of seeing her friends and neighbors trapped in addiction left a lasting impact. Even today, she continues to pray for those still caught in the cycle, hoping they can find a path to recovery.

The Power of Community

The opioid crisis is not just about addiction—it affects the well-being of entire communities. Katrina emphasizes the need for collective action, stating, “Our community needs to address this issue so that we can give our citizens hope, letting them know there is more to life than opioid use.”

She believes that when people feel addicted, they often feel useless or less than. The key to breaking the cycle is showing them a way out, giving them hope, and providing them with opportunities to rebuild their lives.

Shaped by Experience

Katrina’s experiences shaped her career and her commitment to helping others. As a young adult working in corrections, she saw young men and women enter the prison system due to crimes fueled by addiction and a lack of resources.

One heartbreaking memory stands out—seeing a 21-year-old inmate who did not even know how to use a washing machine. These essential life skills, often learned at home, were absent from his upbringing. Instead, many of these individuals were forced to commit crimes just to survive, providing for their families in the only way they knew.

Katrina refused to let her environment define her future. She sought a way out—not just for herself, but for her children. She was willing to travel long distances for work, ensuring that her family could have a different life, one that was not surrounded by the same struggles she witnessed growing up.

Faith and Recovery

Faith plays a critical role in recovery. Katrina believes that turning to God’s promises can provide strength and hope for those battling addiction. She emphasizes the importance of scripture, prayer, and knowing that there are people placed in our lives to help guide us through difficult times.

“We are all tempted,” she says, “but God always provides a way out.” Through faith, individuals struggling with addiction can find the support they need to reclaim their lives.

Rebuilding the Village

There was a time when communities took responsibility for raising children, ensuring they were held accountable for their actions. Katrina believes that a lack of accountability has contributed to the opioid crisis, as society moves away from the values that once kept families and neighborhoods strong.

She stresses that people must stop focusing on individual success and start working together. “We can do anything when we work together,” she says. “But when we separate, we don’t get a lot accomplished.”

Hope for Families and Addicts

To families dealing with a loved one’s addiction, Katrina offers empathy and encouragement. She acknowledges the pain and frustration that come with watching someone struggle but urges families to continue offering support, prayer, and education.

For those battling addiction themselves, her message is one of hope:

“This is not the end of the road. Your life does not have to end up like this. There is hope. You are strong, and you can overcome this.”

Moving Forward Together

Katrina’s vision for the future is clear—stronger communities, more awareness, and a commitment to helping people reach their full potential. By working together, we can break the cycle of addiction and create a future where individuals are empowered to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Now is the time to come together, to guide, to teach, and to uplift. Because when we do, we do not just change one life—we change entire generations.