Gloucester Mum Sold Household Items to Feed £1,500-a-Month Cocaine Addiction

Abby House, a mother from Gloucester, battled a devastating cocaine addiction that led her to sell household belongings just to sustain her £1,500-a-month habit. The 36-year-old first tried cocaine as a teenager at a party and quickly became consumed by the drug, using it every weekend. Despite taking breaks during her pregnancies, Abby inevitably returned to cocaine, which she describes as her escape from depression and anxiety.

Her addiction spiraled as she spent hundreds of pounds weekly, sometimes diverting money meant for bills, resulting in a staggering £12,000 debt. To fund the habit, Abby even resorted to selling lamps, shoes, and other treasured home items through platforms like Vinted and Facebook Marketplace. Her children noticed missing possessions, but the depth of her struggle remained hidden.

At the height of her addiction, Abby’s drug use extended from evenings after putting her kids to bed to midday sessions when she was alone. She describes cocaine as her “evening glass of wine,” a way to unwind after a long day. The addiction severely impacted her professional life too; as a former practice manager at a doctor’s surgery, she frequently called in sick due to hangovers and emotional distress.

Reflecting on the darkest days, Abby recalls regularly snorting lines at home, isolating herself from family and friends, and contemplating a future where she might still be using as a grandmother. But in May last year, she made a decisive turn, immersing herself in recovery. Inspired by stories of others, Abby launched ‘Addiction2Advocate,’ a platform dedicated to educating and supporting those battling addiction.

Today, Abby is committed to sharing her journey to inspire hope and encourage others to seek help. She urges anyone struggling to break their silence: “Just tell one person, don’t isolate yourself, and don’t feel ashamed. What matters is what you do next.”