Abby House, a mother from Gloucester, has opened up about her harrowing four-year struggle with addiction following weight-loss surgery. After being prescribed codeine for pain management following a gastric sleeve operation, Abby found herself trapped in a cycle of dependency, taking as many as ten 30mg pills daily. Her addiction not only took a toll on her health and finances but also strained her relationships with her children, aged 10 and 14.
The journey began in 2021 when Abby opted for weight-loss surgery. Initially, codeine provided relief from both physical pain and emotional distress, allowing her to manage the demands of her job at the NHS, where she oversaw a team of 30. However, within six months, the drug became a controlling force in her life. “I would count down the minutes until my kids went to bed so ‘mum mode’ could end and ‘addict mode’ could begin,” the 36-year-old recounted.
As her tolerance increased, Abby’s self-care dwindled. Her addiction escalated to a point where she neglected her hygiene and personal appearance, often wearing the same clothes for days and avoiding basic tasks like brushing her teeth. “Whatever clothes I had on, I would sleep in…and there were times I’d go days without [brushing my teeth],” she shared, highlighting the profound impact addiction had on her life.
Despite being the primary caregiver for her children, Abby’s relationship with them became increasingly distant. Although she managed their physical needs, the emotional connection suffered. “All I could think about was codeine. If I had it, I was happy; if I didn’t, I’d be withdrawing,” she explained. This emotional withdrawal contributed to a household atmosphere that shifted from lively to silent.
Financially, Abby found herself over £8,000 in debt as she sought ways to acquire more codeine than her prescriptions allowed. She resorted to borrowing money from friends and purchasing the drug online, often lying about the purpose of her requests. “I’d lie to everyone about everything to cover up my using,” she admitted. As her addiction spiraled, Abby developed extreme social anxiety, further isolating herself from friends and family.
Recognising that her life was unraveling, Abby sought help in October 2024, reaching out to her local drug and alcohol service. She was placed on an opiate replacement treatment program and assigned a key worker to support her recovery. “The first six months were really tough,” she recalled. “It took hitting rock bottom to realise I was the only thing standing in the way of happiness.”
Abby has since turned her experience into a source of inspiration for others. During her recovery, she launched a TikTok page where she shares her journey and raises awareness about the dangers of codeine addiction. With over 20,000 followers, Abby has connected with fellow recovering addicts, creating a community focused on support and understanding.
“Life in recovery is amazing. I wake up happy and grateful for everything in my life,” she stated, reflecting on her transformed relationship with her children. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been, truly.”
Abby’s story sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of addiction, particularly in relation to prescription medications. By openly discussing her experiences, she aims to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and encourage others to seek help. “No matter how isolated your addiction makes you, you aren’t alone,” she concluded, emphasising the importance of community and connection in the recovery process.
