News
1 July, 2024
Mother’s pain of a daughter’s drug habit
MALENY author Janet Paine has written a heart-wrenching yet inspiring memoir titled ‘Addiction Ripples,’ focusing on her daughter’s 20-year addiction to narcotics and its ripple effect on people.
By Kirra Livingstone
MALENY author Janet Paine has written a heart-wrenching yet inspiring memoir titled ‘Addiction Ripples,’ focusing on her daughter’s 20-year addiction to narcotics and its ripple effect on people.
Janet spoke to GC&M News about the book’s purpose and some background based on her experience.
“Every family with an addict will relate to this read; it expresses the heartache, pain, and exasperation we all feel,” she said.
“It also gives people hope so they can one day find gratitude.” “It highlights the causes of addiction, the detox process, and how the addict’s life becomes unmanageable, but there is a way to a better life, and it is possible.”
Her daughter’s addiction, particularly to meth in later years, hit a breaking point in 2019, forcing her into rehab when her life became “unmanageable”.
She started using drugs at 14, is now 40, and has been sober for five and a half years.
Janet said that as a mother, it was difficult to know how best to support her daughter’s struggles with drug use, but attributes unconditional love as the main factor.
“Her addiction affected us terribly; it wore me out. It’s like going through grief of the living, and watching your child suffer from drugs is very hard,” she said.
“We basically got addicted to trying to fix her, and it’s exacerbating and life-consuming. Many parents like me struggle with the same issues.
“We were very naïve about rehab and Narcotics Anonymous, and our theory was, why mix with other addicts?
“At the end of the day, they are the ones who understand each other, and they helped get her clean and keep her clean.”
After this life-changing experience, Janet now volunteers for Naranon, serving as a support contact person for the Sunshine Coast for family members and friends of addicts.
Her memoir’s book launch is at the Bellvista Centre, Caloundra West, on July 12 from 6 pm.
To RSVP, email addictionripples@gmail.com or DM Janet Paine on Facebook. Food and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided; however, BYO alcohol is available.
