Mama June Shannon has candidly exposed her bitter regret about ‘blowing up’ a whopping $1 million worth of cocaine – while candidly talking about her devastation at the ‘stupid’ things she did while in the throes of her crack cocaine addiction .
The reality star has endured its fair share of controversy since her family became household names more than a decade ago after her daughter Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson made a star in Toddlers and Tiaras.
During the time, the world witnessed the 43-year-old embark on a weight-loss journey on television, before subsequently becoming addicted to drugs during her relationship with ex-boyfriend Geno Doak.
Speaking to DailyMail.com to promote her new series, Mama June: Family Crisis, the now sober star reflected on the many ways her carelessness during her addiction affected her financially and physically, as well as the rift it created within her. family caused.
Big regret: Mom June Shannon says her biggest mistake in life was spending more than $1 million on drugs during the height of her crack cocaine addiction
Dark times: In March 2019, Shannon was arrested for drug possession and eventually entered rehab
In thinking about what she would say to herself while at her lowest point with her substance abuse, Mama June said, “Girl, what the hell are you doing spending all that money?”
She continued: I often say that to my husband [Justin Stroud]. I’d be like, “Man, why the hell did I blow all that money?” I always think of that.
“I think of a lot of things I could do with that money. My husband says all the time that I can’t stop thinking about it.’
The reality star explained that she often has moments where she hates herself for things she did during her darkest days.
“I don’t remember much of that time frame. Just bits and pieces and stuff,” she said. “But the biggest, dumbest thing I’ve done is spend so much money on drugs.”
The TV star proudly stated that she has made sure she is now much better with her earnings, adding, “Now I’m like a penny pincher again and Justin tells me I’m a money hoarder.”
During her addiction, Mama June spent up to $3,000 a day on drugs.
According to the star, she usually snorted cocaine until it damaged her eyesight, after which she switched to smoking crack cocaine.
Moving forward: The reality star and husband Justin Stroud have both moved forward with a focus on sobriety after battling addiction separately
Mama June, who is currently more than three years sober, has been suffering from yet unknown health issues ever since – with the star hospitalized in 2022 for severe headaches and dizziness.
Her doctor was concerned enough to admit her to get her condition checked. However, after running multiple tests and scans on her over the ensuing months, no medical professionals have been able to diagnose her.
The Road to Redemption star claimed that part of the reason why doctors have yet to discover the cause of the spent was due to the fact that she was seemingly convicted of her past substance abuse issues.
“We still don’t have answers,” June said. “I still get the judgment from the doctors because when they look at me I feel like I’m being judged for my past issues.
Bad influence: Mama June’s ex Geno Doak was arrested along with the star in Alabama
“I hate that the doctors look at someone who’s been through something in their life, like an addiction, and think someone can’t change.”
She continued, “I am more than three years straight and clean. But if I’m honest and tell people that, the doctor just looks at you like you have a serious illness and I don’t.
“I just want the answers and I’m not getting them. I’m trying to get in to see the best doctors I know in Georgia, but it’s taking a while.’
In fact, the star is adamant that those expecting her to relapse will be deeply disappointed when she said, “If you wait for me to fail, baby.” You better stop holding that breath, honey, or you’ll die.’
In March 2019, Mama June and Geno were arrested for drug possession in Alabama.
The pair pleaded not guilty to possession of crack cocaine in October of that year. The two later went to rehab before eventually breaking up.
side effect? Mama June has been suffering from unknown health issues ever since – the star was hospitalized in 2022 due to severe headaches and dizziness
Where it all started: Mama June and her family became household names through the reality series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, a spin-off of the pageant show Toddlers and Tiaras
During this time, Mama June signed full custody of her youngest daughter Alana to Lauren, aka Pumpkin, and her husband, Joshua Efird.
She was also ordered to pay $800 in child support every month, which caused a conflict with Pumpkin in one episode of the new season.
Fans will be able to catch up on Mama June’s life following her courthouse wedding to Justin, 35, in March 2022, before a full family ceremony in February this year.
Mama June told DailyMail.com that the family will see arguments and counseling work as she works to mend her broken relationship with her daughters.
Her husband Justin admitted that it was hard to watch the girls keep their mother at bay.
“I see the change she makes every day, but they weren’t there to see it,” he explained. “But I also understand where they’re coming from, you know, because I was an addict myself and people get tired of hearing you’re going to do something and then it won’t happen.”
Staying together: June cherishes the bond with her daughters after her eldest Anna Marie ‘Chickadee’ was diagnosed with stage four cancer (pictured)
New chapter: June’s new show, Family Crisis, reveals whether the family managed to mend their relationship and come together for June’s wedding ceremony
He continued, “So I’m pretty sure during her addiction June said, ‘Hey, I’m going to change. I’m going to do this. But it never happened.
“The girls just want to see action. And I think the action here lately speaks for itself, so that’s good.’
The family also had to come together to support Anna ‘Chickadee’ Cardwell, after the 28-year-old television personality recently revealed she is battling stage 4 cancer.
The new show’s full season will see if the family can mend their relationship and come together for June’s wedding ceremony and Alana’s high school graduation.
Mama June: Family Crisis airs every Tuesday on the AMC streaming service ALLBLK.