It all started a decade ago when Charlee Hill tried cocaine for the very first time while out partying with friends.
She had no idea that one night would lead to a serious addiction. But ten years later, this mum-of-one has turned her life around and is now completely clean.
The constant use led to her getting nosebleeds daily. What started as something she did socially turned into a regular way for her to keep her energy up.
Thinking back on the money it drained from her life, Charlee believes she spent nearly $27,000 in total on the drug.
She even ended up buried in debt, taking on credit cards and payday loans that left her with around $13,500 to pay off.
Charlee described the drug as feeling like a ‘best friend’ during that period.
But she also admitted that if she hadn’t quit using it four years ago, she probably wouldn’t have survived.
Now living in Oxford, the mum is speaking out in the hope of warning others to stay away from the Class A substance.
But one day she found some leftover cocaine after a night out. She hadn’t slept well, and out of curiosity, she tried some while she was sober.
“It made me awake. That started every other day then it built up to me doing a bag a day.” she added.
Most days, the first thing Charlee would do after waking up was snort a line of cocaine.
“I had a credit card and was getting payday loans out. I got into $10,000 to $13,500 worth of debt, which luckily I’ve been able to pay off.” Charlee admitted.
Charlee shared: “I’d wake up and the first thing I’d do in the morning was a line, which is insane. That’s what I’d have to do to almost get out of bed.”
“I would never do it around my (child). It gave me a confidence boost, it makes you think you’re amazing.”
Even simple things like going to the store or chatting with someone became difficult without the drug.
“I always had a blocked and sore nose. In the worst times, I was getting nosebleeds every single day.” the mum added.
She first checked into rehab in February 2019. However, she found herself relapsing less than six months later.
She said her motivation to get clean came from wanting a better future for herself and especially for her child. She confessed that if she had kept going, she likely would’ve lost custody.
“I’m so proud of myself that I’ve managed to come out the other end, a lot of people don’t.” Charlee said.
She stressed how important it is not to give up and emphasized that the lifestyle simply isn’t worth it.
“I wouldn’t wish an addiction on my worst enemy. Don’t even try it, it’s not worth ruining your life over.” she stated.