A recovering drug addict who almost lost everything credits the Sunshine Coast for turning her life around.
Angela Britz’s days spiralled out of control due to her obsession with ice, before she relocated to the region and experienced a renewal.
The 43-year-old now has her own business, is raising a family and is supporting others who need help.
She hopes her story can inspire people caught in the grip of drugs and she urges them “not to give up hope – recovery is possible”.
At her lowest of lows she lost her house, her driver’s licence, her teeth and almost her life.
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She said she was introduced to drugs in New Zealand and moved to Brisbane after being held against her will and raped by a man in a drug psychosis.
She said she stayed clean for some time before she sourced drugs from someone in a mothers’ group, to lose weight, two years after the birth of her first child.
“My intention was to only use recreationally until I lost the weight,” she said.
“(But) I also had undiagnosed postnatal depression.
“I had no family support in Queensland and was very lonely and struggled.
“My husband was FIFO (fly-in fly-out), so he had no idea what was happening at home.
“I had to sell items on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace to fund my addiction.
“The impacts were horrific.
“I lost all my friends and I lost my husband for a period.”
She said she was held hostage by a dealer, robbed multiple times, had her car stolen and had a gun pointed at her.
“And my health deteriorated. I developed meth mouth,” she said.
Ms Britz, who now has partial dentures, said she also lost her licence and was put on probation after she was caught with drugs in her car.
She said she was also investigated by child safety services.
“I lost my dignity and respect … I was extremely lonely and had lost hope in humanity,” she said.
Ms Britz said the turning point came in 2018, when she was homeless because she spent what money she had on ice.
“That’s when I could not take the pain and suffering anymore and decided to end my life by an overdose,” she said.
“I was unconscious for three days and when I woke up, I made the choice to stay clean and to start living a life that my daughter and family would be proud of.
“My husband and I reconnected … and he was offered a job on the Sunshine Coast.
“So, we decided to start a new life together and found a beautiful rental (at Buderim).”
They welcomed a son in 2019.
“Once again I had postnatal depression but this time I reached out for help with professionals,” she said.
Ms Britz said she saw a mental health team and started attending women’s spiritual events.
Community members proved vital for support.
“Living on the Sunshine Coast had been absolutely incredible,” she said.
“I have felt so accepted and loved by many.
“This place gave me hope that I deserved a better life, and I am so grateful for my network of ladies I have met.”
She said the Australian Anti Ice Campaign (AAIC), Narcotics Anonymous and Sister Circles were key groups for her rejuvenation.
She sees a counsellor monthly and sometimes attends God’s Sport Arena at Caloundra Salvation Army (for addicts in recovery).
And she took on studies, graduating from TAFE Mooloolaba with a Certificate 4 in Mental Health Peer Work.
“Studying at a mature age with a toddler was extremely challenging but I thoroughly enjoyed it,” she said.
“I felt accomplished and learned that I can achieve anything I put my mind to.
“It taught me resilience and self-belief.”
And she is now helping others.
Ms Britz has worked for Sunny Coast Support Services – a community-based organisation that provides boutique-style community support services to people with disabilities – for almost three years.
She is also a volunteer buddy for the AAIC to help people in their battles with ice, and she recently started a Facebook page to promote awareness about the devastation and destruction of the stimulant drug.
“I have now become the person I so desperately needed when I was in a dark place in my life,” she said.
“It brings tears to my eyes when I think about it as I have lived experience, so my empathy and compassion is raw and real with my clients.”
Ms Britz also has her own business, after opening Crystal Diva at Buderim in 2022.
It boasts a range of crystal earrings, crowns, cuffs and hair accessories.
“Having my business has been such a blessing, to connect with beautiful people,” she said.
“I have made so many friendships by collaborating with other locals.
“Crystal Diva is all about diversity and acceptance of who you are and to encourage you to dream at any age – dreams come true.”
She said she was “proud” to share her story of recovery.
“I feel so blessed and grateful as I honestly didn’t think I would be where I am today,” she said.
“I’m very proud of myself for all the hard work and energy I have put in towards my goals.
“You can change at any age with the help of new places, people and amazing new beginnings, which I owe to the Sunshine Coast.
“My advice for anyone struggling with ice and meth is to not give up hope. Recovery is possible. Stop existing and start living your life as you deserve happiness.”
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