In this episode of Sober As A Mother Focused; Sofa Sessions, I’m joined by Anne, a mum who is now nine years sober after years of addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Anne bravely opens up about what life was really like as a mum in addiction — the choices she made, the impact her addiction had on her children, and the things she wishes she could change.

But this isn’t just a story about addiction. It’s a story about recovery, accountability, healing and hope.

Anne speaks incredibly honestly about the harm she caused her children while she was drinking and using, without shying away from the difficult parts of her past. She also shares what sobriety has meant for her family and the profounddifference it has made to her relationships with her children.

Her story is a reminder that addiction doesn’t have to be the end of the story. That change is possible. That relationships can heal. And that it is never too late to choose a different life.

Anne shares her experience in the hope that another mum listening might recognise herself in her story, know that she isn’t alone, and realise that there is a way out.

This is an honest, raw and ultimately hopeful conversation about motherhood, addiction, recovery and finding your way back.

This week I’m joined on my sofa by the incredible Charlotte Seaman, whobravely shares her story of addiction, trauma, motherhood and recovery.

Charlotte first tried crack cocaine at just 13 years old, and by the age of16, she was pregnant and struggling with a heroin addiction. Despite growing upin a loving family, Charlotte’s life took her down a devastating path involvingsubstance abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault and homelessness.

Charlotte went on to have three children while in active addiction, all ofwhom were born dependent on heroin. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder ofthe devastating impact addiction can have, but it is also a powerful testamentto the strength of the human spirit and the possibility of change.

Now approaching two years clean and sober, Charlotte has transformed herlife. She has openly shared her recovery journey online from the verybeginning, using her experiences to inspire others, raise awareness and showpeople who are still struggling that recovery is possible. Today, she is alsoan ambassador for a rehabilitation centre, helping to bring hope to others whomay be facing similar battles.

I’m incredibly proud of the woman Charlotte is today. Her courage, honestyand determination to turn her life around are truly inspiring, and I’m sograteful to call her my friend.

This is a story of unimaginable challenges, incredible resilience and thehope that life can be different, no matter how dark things may seem.

If you’re a parent struggling withaddiction, or you love someone who is, I hope Charlotte’s story reminds youthat there is always hope, recovery is possible, and your past does not have todefine your future.

This week on the sofa, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Olivia, founder of Sober Coaster Life.

Olivia is four years clean and sober after a long battle with addiction and OCD, and many attempts to find recovery. Her addiction took her to some very dark places, including spending thousands of pounds on crack a night and losing her daughter.

But that’s not where her story ends. Today, Olivia is an addiction recovery coach and the mum she was always meant to be — a mum her daughter is proud of.

Olivia is genuinely one of the loveliest women I’ve met in the recovery world, and it was a real privilege to have her share her story on my sofa.

For the mums still struggling, feeling lost or believing they’ve gone too far, this one is for you. You are not alone, and it’s never too late to find your way back.

Tune in to this week’s Sofa Session to hear Olivia’s inspiring story and don't forget to let us know if you enjoy this episode in the comments.