The Hidden Reality Of Mums In Addiction | With Karen from Luma
NOW STREAMING ON ALL MAJOR PLATFORMS
Ever looked at a mum struggling with alcohol or drugs and thought, “How could she choose that over her kids?”
What if that question is part of the problem?
In this episode of the Sh*ts F*cked podcast, Paris sits down with Karen, senior counsellor and AOD programs officer at Luma, one of the largest and longest-running women's health services in Australia. Karen brings her own lived experience as the daughter of an alcoholic, the sister of drug addicts, and a mother who suffered postnatal depression in silence for years.
Together they go somewhere most podcasts won't… the reality of motherhood and addiction, and the shame that makes it nearly impossible for women to ask for help.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
The impossible standard society places on mothers, especially when alcohol or drug use is involved
Why addiction in motherhood is not as simple as “choosing drugs over your children”
What actually happens when a pregnant woman is still using, and why fear of Department of Child Protection (DCP) keeps women silent
The Wanda's Clinic at King Edward; a Perth program Karen describes as unlike anything she's seen
The reality of “mum and wine” culture, and why some substance use is normalised while other struggles are heavily stigmatised
Karen's own postnatal depression and what it cost her
Why shame never creates lasting change, and what actually does
What Luma does to support women, families, pregnant women, and mothers in recovery
Most people assume a mother in addiction doesn't love her children enough to stop. Karen dismantles that completely, and what she replaces it with is one of the most important reframes in this entire season.
Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts — and if these conversations matter to you, follow us so you never miss an episode.
About Karen
Karen is a senior counsellor and alcohol and other drugs programs officer at Luma in Perth, WA. With a master's degree in counselling and six years of frontline experience supporting women and families through addiction and recovery, she runs drop-in groups, one-on-one support, and Coffee Talk; a weekly Monday morning Facebook Live on the Women's Recovery Community page. She brings her own lived experience to every room she walks into.
👉 Want to connect with Karen?
You can learn more about Luma and access support through their website at: www.luma.org.au
You can also contact Luma by phone: (08) 6330 5400
Karen also hosts Coffee Talk live streams every Monday at 9:00am on the Women’s Recovery Community Facebook page.
Men’s Recovery Community Facebook page
Season 4 of Sh*ts F*cked is supported by Coach Carly, Elevate Beyond Co. and Your Recovery.
Need support? Visit our Australian crisis services directory →
