18 Years an Addict

“I admit that over the years, I had wondered if Greg would ever clean up, because after eighteen years of the same behaviour, the same pattern, the same attitude, the same stance, it was getting harder and harder to be positive. I felt so helpless and hopeless, and yes, on the cusp of negativity. I was in South Africa; Gregory was in the US. There were miles and miles between us, and when he got back [to South Africa] he just didn’t want to clean up.”

In 18 Years, an Addict, Anne Lapedus Brest writes with unflinching honesty about the emotional, physical, and spiritual toll of loving a child battling addiction. For nearly two decades, Anne lived in the shadow of her son Greg’s dependency—enduring fear, frustration, distance, and the heartbreak of relapse.

Greg’s turning point came in January 2019 when he decided to clean up his life for good. He promised, no more lies, no more secrets, total transparency. He finally committed to recovery with the support of a sponsor.

The memoir also explores the role of the 12-step programme, a structured, community-based approach first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous and now widely used in drug rehabilitation. The programme provides a framework for understanding addiction, taking responsibility, repairing harm, and building a sustainable life in recovery.

On 18 January 2026, Greg Brest celebrated seven years clean and serene—a milestone that anchors this story of resilience, surrender, and the power of hope.

Anne Lapedus Brest is a multifaceted individual with a passion for storytelling through various mediums. She is a photographer, writer, and genealogist. As a photographer, she captures stories through her camera lens. As a published author, she tells stories through words. As a genealogist, she combines her photography and writing skills to build and document family trees for her clients. She lives in Johannesburg with her two dogs, Georgia and Coco. Anne is the author of Catastrophe: Oy Vey, My Child Is Gay (and an Addict), Jacana Media (2014) and When Irish Eyes are NOT Smiling (Elli Publishing, 2025).