Katie Stroklund's story is one of resilience, determination and the power of community. Her journey from battling addiction to becoming a peer support specialist serves as a beacon of hope for those navigating their own paths to recovery. Today, Katie works with North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) at West Central Human Service Center, in Bismarck.
The Beginning of the Struggle
Katie’s battle with mental health and addiction began in her teenage years. She was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder at a young age, which later led to depression. Turning to alcohol at an early age, Katie’s struggles intensified when she was prescribed pain medication following surgery. The addiction that followed eventually escalated to heroin use, leading her down a path filled with hardship, including incarceration and treatment stints.
Despite her own challenges, Katie’s compassion for others shone through even in her darkest moments. She recalls rushing to administer Narcan to those experiencing overdoses, driven by the hope of sparing another family the pain she feared her own parents might one day endure.
Finding Hope in Peer Support Training
Katie’s turning point came while she was incarcerated. Offered the chance to participate in a peer support training program—the first of its kind in the women’s prison—Katie embraced the opportunity. Although her journey was far from linear, she emerged from the program with a seed of hope and a renewed sense of purpose.
After her release, Katie faced setbacks, relapsing and enduring more struggles. Yet, her resolve grew stronger.
“I was just sick and tired of being sick and tired,” she says. It was during her final arrest that Katie made the decision to turn her life around. She entered treatment, found a sober living environment, and began attending 12-step meetings, which introduced her to a community that truly understood her struggles.
The Power of Community
Finding a sense of belonging was a transformative moment for Katie.
“In my active addiction, I felt like no one understood what I had been through or what I was feeling,” says Katie. Joining a supportive recovery community helped Katie realize she wasn’t alone. This newfound connection inspired her to become a peer support specialist and help others find the same support and understanding that had changed her life.
A Full-Circle Moment
Katie’s journey came full circle when she was hired as a peer support specialist at the same treatment facility where she had once been a client. Today, she works with HHS, where her lived experience plays a critical role in supporting others on their recovery journeys.
“It’s about walking beside them and showing them what recovery can look like,” explains Katie. “We meet them where they’re at.”
The Unique Role of Peer Support
Peer support specialists like Katie bring a unique perspective to the behavioral health field. Unlike clinicians, who maintain professional boundaries and may not share personal experiences, peer support relies on shared experiences as a foundation for connection. Katie and her peers use their stories to inspire hope and demonstrate the possibilities of recovery.
Continuing the Journey
Katie’s story underscores the importance of community, compassion, and the belief that recovery is always possible. Her work helps others find their own paths to healing, offering a powerful reminder that no one has to face their struggles alone.
If you are interested in becoming a certified peer support specialist or want to learn about certification opportunities, please visit the North Dakota HHS Peer Support Certification webpage. This page provides details about the certification process and available programs. Starting your journey could help someone else begin theirs.