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When Maria walked through the doors of Lives Lived Well’s Parenting Under Pressure program with her 10-year-old daughter, she carried years of struggle and a deep determination to change. At 40, she was entering her first residential program, motivated by one clear goal – to rebuild her relationship with her daughter and create a stable, drug–free life. She had lived with methamphetamine dependence, compounded by GHB use, since her early 20s. Her father’s death five years earlier triggered a painful escalation in her use. Though she grew up in a supportive family and built a career in real estate, substance use gradually fractured her relationships, cost her work, and left her feeling ashamed of the impact on her daughter.
At Lives Lived Well, Maria received wrap-around care. She engaged in weekly counselling, parenting groups, and relapse prevention programs like Reframe and GRIT. With pharmacotherapy and psychological support, she began to stabilise her mood, improve sleep, and manage cravings.
Parenting interventions, including the Circle of Security program, gave her practical tools to strengthen her bond with her daughter. Slowly, her guardedness gave way to openness, building trust with staff and peers.
The changes were profound. Maria began applying new strategies at home, listening more, responding calmly, and rebuilding trust with her daughter. She reported feeling more confident, emotionally resilient, and capable of setting healthy boundaries. Her relationship with her daughter became warmer, with more open communication and emotional connection.
Looking forward, Maria is planning for the future with hope. She intends to complete a Diploma in Community Studies and re-enter the workforce, supported by her partner and new recovery networks. For Maria, recovery is no longer just about abstinence, it’s about creating a better life for herself and, most importantly, her daughter.
*Names have been changed to protect client privacy. The images used are stock images for illustrative purposes only and do not, expressly or implied, portray people with drug, alcohol or mental health problems.
