At a glance
Stevi Rae struggled with prescription opioids following a car crash. Sharing her story with other Alaska Native persons helped tremendously in her recovery.
Stevi Rae's Story
Stevi Rae has been in recovery for more than five years and credits going through treatment with other Alaska Native persons as key to her recovery journey. Raised in Naknek, Alaska, Stevi Rae grew up commercial and subsistence fishing. She was first introduced to prescription opioids after she survived a car crash and doctors prescribed her opioids to manage her pain. She says that she quickly became addicted and persuaded her doctors to prescribe her extra medication to last several months since she would be unable to return for follow-up visits. Stevi Rae soon began buying prescription opioids illegally and eventually started using heroin and methamphetamines.
A year later, she felt like she would do anything to get opioids and couldn't stop. She sought treatment in Dillingham, Alaska because there were no options in Naknek. In treatment, she shared her story of trauma and childhood sexual abuse that led to her using drugs and alcohol. Stevi Rae found that telling her story—and being surrounded by other Alaska Native persons—helped her and others heal. Currently, Stevi Rae is creating recovery resources for Naknek residents. She believes that if she can stay in recovery, anyone can.
Resources
CDC'S Overdose Prevention Website
Learn more about opioid misuse and overdose, data, and prevention resources.
Videos
Stevi Rae - Low Resolution Video
Radio Spots
To save a sound file, right-mouse-click on the link and select "Save Target As ..." or "Save Link As..."
Stevi Rae's Radio Spot Transcript
Downloadable Social Media
