Hello,
I’m a 32-year-old single mum, and I’m writing this with both hope and fear in my heart. I’m about to take the biggest, hardest, and most important step of my life — entering a 3-month residential rehabilitation program to recover from addiction.
Addiction has been a part of my story for many years, but it’s not the whole story. I’m a mother to a beautiful, happy little boy who is nearly three. He’s my whole world, and everything I do now is with him in mind. I’m determined to get better — not just for me, but so I can be the mum he truly deserves.
I’ve tried to quit before, but I’ve never had the support I needed to stay clean long-term. This time is different. I have a bed in a rehab program where I’ll receive the support, structure, and therapy I’ve needed for so long. For the first time, I truly believe recovery is possible. But I’m facing a heartbreaking financial roadblock.
In order to go to rehab, I have to temporarily give up custody of my son to his dad. That alone is emotionally devastating, but what’s making it even harder is knowing I won’t be able to cover my rent and bills while I’m away. I receive just $780 a fortnight from Centrelink, and $680 of that goes straight to rent. With electricity, water, phone, and other bills, I simply won’t survive financially without help.
I need around $7,000 to cover my rent and basic bills for the three months I’ll be in rehab. I don’t want to lose my home — it’s the only stable place my son knows, and with the current housing crisis, giving it up could mean we won’t get it back. I’ve worked so hard to build this safe space for us, and the idea of losing it just to get better feels cruel.
I grew up in a home shaped by addiction. My mum, who is still in active addiction, was my main support — and I’ve had to go no contact for my own healing. It’s been incredibly isolating. But I’m lucky to have a few close friends who believe in me, and I’m slowly building a new kind of support system — one rooted in hope, not survival.
I’m not asking for luxuries — I’m just asking for the chance to heal without losing everything I’ve worked so hard to hold onto. If you can help, even a little, I would be forever grateful. If you can’t, I understand — please just wish me strength on this journey.
With gratitude and hope ❤️🩹