Brandi Eastman (third from left) with her children and mother and step-father. Photo by Richie Richards
Meth addicted mothers tell their story
By Richie Richards
Native Sun News Staff Writer
www.nsweekly.com PIERRE –– When a mother becomes addicted to meth, the ones who suffer the most are their children and those family members who must endure the physical, emotional and financial violence associated with meth addiction. Native Sun News interviewed two admitted-meth addicts at different stages of their recovery and healing. Brandi Eastman (Sisseton Wahpeton - Dakota) has been sober for nearly two years, whereas Jerene Richards (Oglala - Lakota) is nearly 3-months into her sobriety from meth. Eastman and Richards are descendants of strong survivors and resilient ancestors whose nations are now being decimated by a chemical slowly stealing the lives and spirit from families and whole communities. The using-part of their addiction lasted months but the recovery will take a lifetime. The testimony of these Dakota/Lakota mothers is a window into the dark world of meth and the repercussions of self-abandonment and surrendering to the power of addiction. Brandi Eastman, 36, is the mother of four children and is currently living in Sisseton. “Since I became a mom, I was always a mom. I didn’t leave my kids for anything except for work, said Eastman. But it was during a breakup with her youngest child’s father, that Brandi’s life took a turn for the worse. “I got my heart broke. I didn’t even try to handle it. I just went straight to drugs – using meth,” Eastman told Native Sun News regarding March, 2013 when her meth-use began. “I went from zero to a hundred real quick.”
Read the rest of the story on the all new Native Sun News website: Meth addicted mothers tell their story (Contact Richie Richards at staffwriter@nsweekly.com) Copyright permission Native Sun News
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