Lessons From a Mom Who Was Addicted to Pills

A year ago, stay-at-home mom to two young boys Jen Simon revealed to her friends, family and the world that she was addicted to pills, including opioids (like Percocet) and benzodiazepines (like Xanax). In fact, for five years she says she “didn’t know how to function without pills; worse, I didn’t know how to parent without them.” 

Her essay, entitled “I’m a stay-at-home mom. I’m an addict,” was first published in the Washington Post before it went viral and was picked up by numerous media outlets. 

For Simon, who began taking Percocet’s to dull the insurmountable pain of her periods after giving birth, the past year was filled with many lessons. 

Here’s a look at a few that might help you or someone you love, too: 

• You’re not alone. Simon says that not a week goes by without a new message from a woman struggling with addiction. She even began a secret Facebook group comprised of moms who are struggling with or overcoming addiction. “Being a woman or a mother doesn’t preclude someone from becoming an addict,” she writes. “Addiction crosses socio-economic, race, age, sexuality and gender lines; there is no immunity from the disease.”
• Getting help is brave. Simon feared negative reactions – especially in today’s age of “mommy wars” when we are judged for nearly every way we parent, she writes – but the opposite happened. “People applauded my ability to get help and my courage in stepping forward.” 
• You’re stronger than you think. Recovery isn’t easy and there will be plenty of times where life without drugs or alcohol seems impossible – but it isn't. “I am strong. I am brave. I am a mom. And I am no longer addicted to pills,” she writes. 

Women and Addiction Recovery
At Rising Roads Recovery, we know that every woman who comes to us is incredibly unique and needs to be treated that way. One size does not fit all – and one future does not work for everyone. To learn more about our addiction treatment programs, call 866-746-1558.