Although strides have been made to destigmatize substance abuse disorder, one realm where work is still needed is mothers. A mom of three named Alex is hoping to further the conversation and raise awareness by sharing her story.
Recently, Alex opened up about her experience becoming addicted to opioids following the birth of her third child. After undergoing emergency surgery due to childbirth complications, Alex was prescribed opioids to manage her pain. The strain of her physical recovery combined with postpartum depression, however, led to a dependence – and nearly dying of an overdose in 2023.
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Alex's opioid addiction started when her doctor prescribed a pain reliever after emergency surgery.
After delivering her third child via C-section, Alex told her doctor she had been bleeding more than normal at her one-week OB/GYN checkup. She soon learned she had a retained placenta and was scheduled for emergency surgery.
"I was genuinely terrified. I didn’t know if I would make it through another surgery so close to my C-section, and I had three babies under four at home waiting for me," Alex tells CafeMom. "When I awoke from the emergency surgery, the doctor asked me where to send the prescription for an opiate painkiller. I felt immediate relief, not so much from physical pain but from the anxiety that was overwhelming me."
The medication offered relief from her postpartum depression.
“Experiencing postpartum depression can be incredibly challenging," Alex tells us. "It often involves feelings of sadness, anxiety, and, in my case, an overall sense of inadequacy."
She later added: "I was so vulnerable. I knew that with the medication, I could handle the recovery from the surgery and the three small children who relied on me for everything. Ironically, I was the mother I wanted to be when I was on pain pills. Without it, I was afraid to face all the responsibilities of mothering three small kids. Anxiety accompanied my every move every day.”
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Despite developing substance abuse disorder, she doesn't blame doctors for her struggles.
“In my experience and opinion, doctors typically prescribe pain medication with good intentions to manage legitimate pain," Alex tells CafeMom. "They are in a precarious position, knowing that different procedures tend to require assistance with pain relief. In fact, managing pain can be a crucial component of the body’s physical recovery."
After a surgery like the one Alex had, patients are discharged with a prescription, post-op instructions, and the expectation that they will self-manage.
"Addiction affects people differently, and some may struggle more than others to manage their opioid medications," Alex explains. "I don’t blame the doctors for prescribing the medication. I think there are more individuals who can balance their intake than people like me who may be predisposed to abuse the medication to cope with more serious mental health symptoms.”
What does she wish she would have known about addiction?
“Considering the time, money, and energy I spent on staying away from opioid pain relief by ‘white knuckling’ it, I wish I knew that there is medication available that supports recovery, alongside behavioral counseling, support groups, and other therapies," Alex says.
"People suffering from postpartum depression/anxiety are so overwhelmed by having to take care of a brand-new human. It’s hard to balance needing to care for your newborn when your own mental health is suffering," she continues. "The trajectory from getting prescribed pain relievers to becoming addicted can be a slippery slope — it happens before you may even be aware."
Alex adds: "Now, I know that addiction is an illness and, like nearly any medical condition, there are medications that doctors can prescribe to help."
Alex has maintained recovery for more than a year.
Today, Alex continues to work closely with her psychiatrist in therapy. She also has the support of her husband, family, and friends.
"Everyone experiences addiction and recovery differently, and now I know there’s no need to go it alone; there’s no need to ‘white knuckle’ my day-to-day life," she tells CafeMom. "I am grateful to know that recovery is attainable and proud to celebrate more than one year happy, healthy, and in recovery."
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*Disclaimer: The advice on CafeMom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
