A Fight for Sobriety and Motherhood with Sonya Johnson
This week on Sh*ts F*cked, I had the absolute privilege of sitting down with Sonya Johnson, a fierce advocate, inspiring mum, and all round powerhouse from the USA. Sonya’s story is one of hope, but it’s also a raw look at the harsh realities of addiction and the systems in place to “help” families in crisis.
Sonya opens up about what it was like to lose custody of her children while battling addiction…a heartbreak that cuts deeper than words. In the US, the system often removes kids from parents struggling with addiction, placing them into foster care, which adds another layer of trauma for the parents already at rock bottom and of course, to the children who are being removed from their loved ones. Contrast that with Australia, where the focus is on keeping kids with their parents as long as basic needs are being met, and you’ll see just how tough the fight for reunification can be in America.
We dive deep into the emotional and logistical hurdles Sonya faced to regain custody of her children: navigating a cold and complex system, finding the strength to show up for court dates, and rebuilding her life to prove she was worthy of getting her kids back. She talks about the heartbreak of the process and the pure joy of finally being reunited with her family.
Sonya also shares how she and her husband supported each other on their journey to sobriety, the steps they took to rebuild their lives, and how they continue to maintain their sobriety today. Her candid perspective on the flaws in the system, and the changes she wants to see from policymakers, highlights just how much work there is still to be done.
We also talk about her work with NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), her award as Child Welfare Professional of the Year, and how she’s now using her experience to support other parents fighting to reunite with their children.
This episode is a deep dive into the heartbreak, hope, and healing that comes with addiction and family. It’s a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt the hurt that comes with losing your family through addiction.
