'Sometimes I suppose we can see our family member as the person who's having the experience, and we forget that we're having an experience as well.'

Beginning with her earliest memories, Bree tells the story of growing up with a mother in active heroin use. She describes the emotional range and complexity of a loving relationship affected and tragically shortened by addiction, but not necessarily defined by it.

This episode contains references to domestic violence and drug use that some listeners may find distressing. 24/7 help for AOD users is provided by Directline at 1800 888 236, and for their loved ones by Family Drug Help at 1300 660 068. 

Straight From the Source presents the real-life stories of people affected by alcohol and other drugs. 

The show is brought to you by the Association of Participating Service Users (APSU), which is a service of the Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC). APSU is a Victorian consumer body that believes the voices of people with lived experience of AOD issues should be heard and incorporated into service design and delivery. 

The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of APSU or SHARC. Names and identifying details may have been changed for privacy reasons.

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