Abby House, a 36-year-old mother of two from Gloucester, has opened up about her harrowing struggle with addiction following weight-loss surgery. After being prescribed codeine for pain management, she became dependent on the opioid, leading to a four-year battle that dramatically affected her life and family.
Abby underwent a gastric sleeve procedure in 2021, which initially provided her with relief from physical discomfort. However, within six months, the painkiller became an obsession. She reached a point where she was consuming as many as 10 pills daily, neglecting her hygiene and personal care, and isolating herself from her loved ones.
“I would count down the minutes until my kids went to bed so ‘mum mode’ could end and ‘addict mode’ could begin,” Abby shared. The addiction spiraled out of control, with Abby hiding her supply under her bed and counting the pills to ensure she had enough to last.
The initial relief she felt soon turned into a cycle of euphoria followed by a harsh crash. Abby described the sensation of taking codeine as a “spreading warmth” that would leave her feeling euphoric. Yet, within 20 to 30 minutes, the effects would dissipate, leaving her feeling drained and achy. “I’d be slumped on my bed… my head would feel so fuzzy and on the verge of an intense headache,” she recounted.
As her tolerance increased, Abby found herself taking more codeine to achieve the same effects. She admitted, “Codeine abuse feels great at first – but there’s a reason it’s called abuse, and it’s because the aftermath is brutal.” Her self-care deteriorated; she often wore the same clothes for days, and basic hygiene routines became overwhelming challenges.
Abby, who has sole custody of her children aged 10 and 14, managed to care for them but noticed a significant impact on their emotional connection. “Although I was doing everything I needed to do for them… in terms of emotional connection, I was so distant,” she explained. The addiction took a toll on her parenting, creating a silent home where once there was laughter.
Financial strain accompanied her addiction, leading Abby to accumulate debts of £8,000. To maintain her habit, she fell into a cycle of borrowing money, often lying about the reasons. “I’d lie to everyone about everything to cover up my using,” she said. This isolation further deepened her struggles, leading to severe social anxiety and a sense of hopelessness.
Recognizing the need for change, Abby reached out for help in October 2024. She contacted her local drug and alcohol service and was enrolled in an opiate replacement treatment programme. “The first six months were really tough – I was in such a bad place,” she recalled. It took hitting rock bottom for Abby to understand that she was her own barrier to happiness.
With the support of her key worker and the treatment programme, Abby began to reclaim her life. She also took a break from her career to focus on her health. During this time, Abby launched a TikTok page sharing her recovery journey, which has attracted over 20,000 followers. This platform has allowed her to connect with others in similar situations and raise awareness about the dangers of codeine addiction.
“Life in recovery is amazing. I wake up happy and grateful for everything in my life,” she stated. Abby now enjoys a strong bond with her children, emphasizing the importance of connection and understanding in overcoming addiction.
She believes that breaking the stigma surrounding addiction is crucial. “No matter how isolated your addiction makes you, you aren’t alone,” Abby affirmed. Her story serves as a potent reminder of the challenges faced by those struggling with addiction and the importance of seeking help.
