A recovering drug addict at the Pantang Rehabilitation Centre has shared a disturbing account of how her use of prescription drug pethidine during one of her pregnancies got her hooked on the drug.

She explained that in an attempt to manage the physical discomforts associated with pregnancy, she ended up getting addicted to the drug.

Speaking to 3news.com on June 9, 2025, the woman, a mother of three, recounted how she became deeply addicted to the painkiller.

"Yes, I have three children. Regrettably, I was even on drugs during one of my pregnancies. Addiction can be very cunning. You become very aware of your situation; you know that you are doing something wrong but you are so immersed in it that you have no power to stop,”she said.

She explained that despite being aware of the potential dangers, the addiction and the relief from pregnancy symptoms made her continue to use pethidine (an opioid painkiller often administered under strict medical supervision).

"I knew there were negative implications both for me and the baby but that didn’t deter me. The euphoria that came with it made it hard to think clearly. In a way, I had no pregnancy stress. All the waist pains, backaches and other symptoms were taken care of by the drug,”she said.

The woman described how her unusual level of physical activity during pregnancy often surprised people around her.

"I remember jumping onto a table to fix a problem with my meter and someone said, ‘Pregnant women can’t do this.’ But I did it with ease. That is addiction for you,” she stated.

Her story highlights the complex challenges faced by pregnant women struggling with substance use.

She underscored the importance of early intervention and access to specialised treatment and support services.

The Pantang Rehabilitation Centre continues to provide care for individuals battling with addiction.

Health officials have urged the public to seek early help and avoid the misuse of prescription drugs.

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