Mama June Shannon has openly expressed her bitter regret at spending a staggering $1million on cocaine – while also opening up about her despair at the “stupid” things she’s done in the grip of her crack cocaine addiction.
The reality star has endured some controversy since her family became a household name more than a decade ago when her daughter Alana “Honey Boo Boo” Thompson starred in Toddlers and Tiaras.
During that time, the world witnessed the 43-year-old embark on a television weight loss journey before 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 multiple effects her neglect during addiction has had on her financially and physically, as well as the fracture it is causing within her family caused, after.
Big regret: Mama June Shannon says her biggest mistake in life was spending over a million dollars on drugs at the height of her crack cocaine addiction
Dark Times: In March 2019, Shannon was arrested for drug possession and eventually entered rehab
Reflecting on what she would say to herself while she was at her lowest point with her substance abuse, Mama June said, “Girl, what the hell are you spending all that money on?”
She continued: That’s what I often say to my husband [Justin Stroud]. I’d be like, “Man, why the hell did I waste so much money?” It’s always something I think about.
“I’m thinking about a lot of things I could do with that money.” “My husband keeps telling me I can’t think about it.”
The reality star explained that she often has moments where she hates herself for the things she did in her darkest days.
“I hardly remember most of that time. “Just little things and stuff,” she explained. “But the biggest and stupidest thing I’ve ever done was spend so much money on drugs.”
The TV star proudly explained that she’s made sure her earnings are a lot better now, adding: “Now I’m like a tightrope 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 mainly snorted cocaine until it affected her vision, then switched to smoking crack cocaine.
Moving on: The reality star and her husband Justin Stroud have both focused on sobriety after battling addiction separately
Mama June, who has currently been sober for over three years, has since suffered from as-yet-unknown health issues – the star was hospitalized in 2022 with severe headaches and dizziness.
Her doctor was so concerned that he sent her in to have her condition checked. However, after undergoing multiple tests and scans over the ensuing months, no healthcare professional could diagnose her.
The ‘Road to Redemption’ star claimed one reason doctors haven’t discovered the root of the problem is because she appears to have been convicted of her past substance abuse problems.
“We still don’t have any answers,” June explained. “I’m still judged by 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 with the star in Alabama
“I hate that doctors look at someone who’s been through something in their life, like an addiction, and think that someone can’t change.”
She continued, “I’ve been straight and clean for over three years.” But if I’m being honest and telling people this, 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 see the best doctors I know in Georgia, but it’s taking time.”
In fact, the star is adamant that those expecting a relapse will be left utterly disappointed as she said, “If you’re waiting for me to fail baby.” You better stop holding your breath baby or else are you dead.’
In March 2019, Mama June and Geno were arrested in Alabama for drug possession.
The couple pleaded not guilty to possession of crack cocaine in October of the same year. The two later attended rehab before eventually breaking up.
Side effect? Since then, Mama June has been suffering from as-yet-unknown health issues – the star was hospitalized in 2022 for a severe headache and dizziness
Where it all began: Mama June and her family became household names on the reality series Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, a spin-off of the beauty show Toddlers and Tiaras
During this time, Mama June gave Lauren, aka Pumpkin, and her husband Joshua Efird sole custody of their youngest daughter, Alana.
She was also ordered to pay $800 a month in child support for her children, which led to a conflict with Pumpkin in an episode of the new season.
Fans can catch up on Mama June’s life following her court marriage to Justin, 35, in March 2022 before they held a full family ceremony in February of this year.
Mama June told DailyMail.com the family is to be seen grappling with arguments and undergoing counseling as they work to mend their fractured relationship with their daughters.
Her husband Justin admitted it was hard for the girls to imagine keeping their mother at a distance.
“I see the change they make 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’ve been an addict myself and people get sick of when you tell them you’re going to do something but it never comes.”
Sticking together: June maintains bonds with her daughters after her eldest Anna Marie “Chickadee” was diagnosed with stage four cancer (pictured)
New chapter: The new show ‘Family Crisis’ in June reveals if the family has managed to mend their relationship and get together ahead of the wedding ceremony in June
He continued, “So I’m pretty sure that during her addiction June was like, ‘Hey, I’m going to change. I will do it. But it never came to that.”
“The girls just want to see some action.” And I think the action here speaks for itself lately, 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 was battling stage four cancer.
The entire season of the new show will reveal if the family can mend their relationship and get back together ahead of June’s wedding ceremony and Alana’s high school graduation.
Mama June: Family Crisis airs Tuesdays on AMC streaming service ALLBLK.
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