"It Was Like a Bomb Went Off": Matthew Perry's Mom Opens Up About Discovering His Addiction
It's hard to imagine the gut punch a parent feels when they find out their child is struggling with addiction. For Suzanne Perry, the realization that her son, actor Matthew Perry, was battling a serious substance abuse problem hit like a ton of bricks.
Suzanne, a journalist and former news anchor, has spoken out about her experience in interviews and even in her 2015 memoir, "The First Wife". In her book, she reveals the moment she learned about her son's struggle, and the impact it had on their relationship.
"It was like a bomb went off," she writes about the day she discovered Matthew's addiction. While Suzanne doesn't go into the specifics of how she found out, she vividly describes the shock and confusion she felt. "It was as if someone had ripped the rug out from under my feet," she said. Suzanne felt a mix of emotions: guilt, fear, anger, and sadness. She was afraid for her son and worried about the future, but also angry at the person who had become addicted.
Suzanne's account is heartbreaking, a raw portrayal of the pain and helplessness that comes with watching a loved one spiral into addiction. It highlights the devastating impact addiction has on families, not just on the individual struggling with substance abuse.
While Suzanne's experience is specific to her own family, it resonates with countless other parents who have navigated the challenges of addiction with their loved ones. Her story offers a glimpse into the emotional rollercoaster families experience and the long, difficult road to recovery.
It's important to remember that addiction is a disease, and there is hope for recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there are resources available to help. Please reach out for support.