Mama June’s Journey Through Addiction and Recovery

Source: Yahoo

Honey Boo Boo Reflects on Mama June’s Struggles

Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson recently opened up about her mother, June “Mama June” Shannon’s struggles with drug addiction, especially as it is featured in Thompson’s upcoming Lifetime biopic titled I Was Honey Boo Boo. The young adult shared her honest feelings about the hard times they faced during Shannon’s addiction, emphasizing how it profoundly impacted her life during a critical transition into high school.

“I was trying to transition into high school and there was just so much going on in my life at that time,” Thompson expressed in an exclusive interview. “Everything my mom was doing on top of that was very hard for me.”

Bringing Closure Through Storytelling

The film serves not only as a recounting of events but also as a way for Thompson to find closure. She mentioned that expressing her experiences aloud felt liberating and helped alleviate some of the mental strain.

“It was a hard and emotional time,” she stated. “But in a way I think it kind of brought me closure just because being able to finally just say it out loud, kind of just let it get off my chest a little bit.”

The Impact of Addiction on Family Life

During the airing of Here Comes Honey Boo Boo from 2012 to 2017, and particularly during the spin-off series, Mama June: From Not to Hot, viewers witnessed a shift in Mama June’s behavior as her addiction took hold. In 2019, both Mama June and her then-boyfriend, Geno Doak, faced legal troubles when they were arrested for felony drug possession shortly after a family intervention.

Thompson recalled noticing changes in her mother’s behavior during this tumultuous time. She noted, “I just noticed her locking her door.” The change was unsettling, particularly since Shannon had always maintained an open-door policy in their home.

Additionally, Thompson revealed that as Mama June’s addiction progressed, her capability to provide for her family deteriorated:

• “When she got really bad in her addiction, there weren’t home-cooked meals.”
• “I had to figure it out on my own or I was eating a bowl of cereal or noodles or whatever it was that I could cook at that time.”

A Turn Towards Recovery

After struggling through the dark days of addiction, Mama June has now achieved several years of sobriety. Thompson described the shift in their relationship, expressing that her fears of relapse have dissipated:

“Now it’s like I don’t think it’s even a thought in my mind just because of how anti-drug she is now.” She proudly shared that her mother has transformed her life, stating, “She doesn’t like any drugs. She doesn’t smoke cigarettes, she doesn’t do alcohol, literally nothing.”

Thompson noted their current relationship is flourishing. “We’re in a really good spot right now,” she shared. While they may not communicate every day, they ensure to stay in touch.

Upcoming Biopic and Moving Forward

The anticipated biopic, I Was Honey Boo Boo, will premiere on Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m. ET on Lifetime. The film aims to provide deeper insight into the struggles faced by Thompson and her family, marking a hopeful turn in their ongoing journey.

Thompson’s openness about her past reveals not only the challenges of living in the public eye but also the resilience required to overcome such tough circumstances. As Mama June continues her path to recovery, this narrative serves as an inspiration for many struggling with addiction.

Tags: Mama June, Honey Boo Boo, addiction recovery, family struggles, biopic, Lifetime, drug addiction, reality TV, emotional journey, personal growth