ITV News’ Reporter Chlöe Oliver has been speaking to a mother about her struggles with addiction and motherhood after she turned to cocaine to cope.
A mother from Norfolk who became reliant on cocaine has shared her story with ITV News amid growing concerns about the number of mums struggling with secret drug addictions.
According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics, one in ten people said they had used cocaine at least once in their lifetime – which is double the number from 20 years ago.
However, support services say the number of mums turning to the drug to help cope with the pressures of motherhood is increasing.
While the stigma surrounding drug use is pervasive, the realities of addiction are often hidden behind closed doors. For many mothers, their roles as caregivers and nurturers make it especially difficult to acknowledge a problem with substance abuse.
Rachel, which is not her real name, told ITV News how she became hooked on the drug.
Cocaine use in the UK has doubled in the last 20 years and cocaine use among mothers like ‘Rachel’ is becoming more and more common, with many users finding themselves in a vicious cycle of using it to escape the emotional and psychological toll of motherhood.
But, while the drug may provide a temporary respite from reality, it is often followed by sharp declines in mood, anxiety, then feelings of guilt or shame.
Lester Morse, Director of Rehabs UK, said: “Usually it has to get pretty bad for someone to even reach out because of the stigma of it…And if you’ve then got a mother with a child and the stigma that it’s going to create and so that’s going to be a lot more. So they’re going to wait till it gets more severe before they actually do reach out for help.”
The drug can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and stress – issues that many mothers already experience. For some, it might begin as a coping mechanism for feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, and for others, it may stem from social or emotional isolation.
‘Rachel’ said: “You look at our life today, from the moment you wake up, it’s go. You have screaming kids, you have work, you have partners, you have all of this pressure and it just builds and builds and builds. It’s impossible to be this perfect person, but we want to be and we want to be a good role model. So how do we do that? We find coping mechanisms.
“So I started using cocaine and and for a long time I did use cocaine, and then cocaine started using me.”
Dealing with cocaine addiction is challenging, but it’s possible to recover and lead a healthier, more fulfilling life with the right support.
Being aware of the warning signs of drug use can help others recognise if someone has an addiction. Here are some suggestions experts say may help:
- Learn the symptoms – Educating yourself enables you to recognise addiction’s impact.
- Talk to them honestly – Approach them with understanding and openness.
- Get support for yourself – Supporting an addict is emotionally taxing; don’t neglect your mental health.
- Focus on building trust – Trust is key in helping your loved one open up and accept help.
- Help them to seek professional help – Encourage them to access services such as therapy or rehab.
- Respect their privacy while being supportive – While staying involved, respect their space and personal boundaries.
SUPPORT AND HELP:
NHS
Drug Addiction Support Services
Offers free confidential drugs information and advice 24 hours a day. Helps you find out everything you might want to know about drugs (and some stuff you don’t).
Helpline: 0300 123 6600
Find a support centre near you
ChildLine is a counselling service for children and young people.
Helpline: 0800 1111
Reach out now – online supportProvides help and information to families and individuals who are worried about alcohol or drug misuse problems.
We provide free, confidential support to people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health.
DrugFAM supports families affected by a loved one’s use of drugs or alcohol.
Helpline: 0300 888 3853 (9am-9pm daily)
National charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol and is a leading agency in substance related family work including database of local support groups that helps families hear about and talk to people who understand their situation.
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