Meet Tracy Gregory, the Director of Programming at Community Arts Experience. Tracy’s life has been deeply affected by the opioid crisis, and today, she uses her personal and professional experience to help others struggling with addiction. In this interview, she shares her story, insights, and thoughts on the opioid epidemic.

1. The Early Struggles:

Growing up in an environment surrounded by drug use and opioid addiction, Tracy had firsthand experience of the destructive effects of addiction on both individuals and families. "My personal experience with the opioid crisis is rooted in my family. I grew up around a lot of opioid users, and as a child, that was a very challenging environment," she explains. This exposure, though traumatic, shaped her understanding of addiction, its causes, and the ways to cope with it.

2. Facing Addiction and Peer Pressure:

Despite being surrounded by opioid use, Tracy managed to avoid falling into the trap herself. "There was a point where peer pressure led me to try it, but I didn’t like how it made me feel. I saw what it did to others, and it wasn’t worth it," Tracy shares. Her story highlights the importance of making informed decisions, even when the pressure to fit in is immense.

3. The Power of Awareness:

Tracy believes that raising awareness about the dangers of opioids is crucial. "Young kids today are influenced by music, movies, and entertainment, which makes it seem like using drugs is 'cool.' But it’s a dangerous illusion," she emphasizes. Tracy sees the opioid epidemic not just as a personal issue, but as a societal one, especially affecting today’s youth.

Why Is the Crisis Growing?

According to Tracy, the opioid crisis is exacerbated by cultural and social influences. "When kids turn on the TV or the radio, they hear about drug use being normalized. The peer pressure to conform to these behaviors grows, and without positive adult role models, they fall deeper into addiction," she explains.

Navigating the Crisis in Her Work:

As the Director of Programming at Community Arts Experience, Tracy works closely with individuals affected by addiction. "We deal with trust issues, mental health struggles, and behavioral challenges. But we also help them see their potential to change," Tracy says. Her role requires patience, understanding, and empathy, key elements in supporting people through their recovery journey.

Faith as a Guiding Light:

Tracy credits her faith as a major factor in her ability to overcome the challenges posed by her upbringing and the opioid crisis. "With God's grace and mercy, I’ve learned to see addiction not just as a struggle, but as an opportunity to help others," she reflects. Her faith has also shaped her approach to supporting others, as she encourages people to find strength through belief and community.

The Path to Healing:

For Tracy, healing is a process that begins with acknowledging the problem. "The first step in overcoming the opioid crisis is acknowledging it exists, both on a personal and community level," she states. Tracy believes that finding the root causes of addiction is essential to providing effective solutions.

Community Support and the Need for Change:

Tracy also highlights the importance of community collaboration in addressing the opioid crisis. "The community can either be a destructive force or a supportive one. We need to come together and offer support, resources, and understanding," she urges. For Tracy, real change can only happen when everyone works together toward a common goal.
Offering Hope to Families

To families struggling with loved ones affected by addiction, Tracy offers a message of hope: "It’s not the end. There’s always hope for change, and it’s important to reach out for help. Talk to someone, whether it’s a counselor, a pastor, or a support group. Don’t try to handle it alone."Looking back at her own life, Tracy recognizes the profound impact of her experiences. "I’ve been through trauma, addiction, and abuse, but with faith and perseverance, I’m stronger than ever," she says. Today, Tracy is not only a survivor but also a guide, helping others navigate their own paths to healing.

Tracy’s journey from witnessing the devastating effects of the opioid crisis to becoming a source of hope and guidance is a testament to the power of resilience and faith. "We can overcome so much as a community if we support one another," she concludes. Her story is a reminder that no matter the struggle, there is always a way forward.