Sister Wives’ Christine Brown Reveals ‘Absolutely Devastating’ Oxycodone Addiction: ‘I Didn’t Feel Normal’

Much of Christine Brown Woolley’s life has played out on her family’s hit TLC series Sister Wives since it first aired in 2010. But some parts of her story she kept private — until now.

In her new memoir, Sister Wife, out Sept. 2, Christine reveals that she once struggled with a short-term addiction to oxycodone. She says it began after she was prescribed the medication following a serious knee injury.

“Just before Maddie and Caleb got married [in 2016], I blew out my knee. I tore my ACL and meniscus, and I had to have surgery,” Christine wrote. “[My husband at the time] Kody [Brown] brought me home from the hospital and then prepared to leave.”

Christine explained that she had never taken oxycodone before, since she usually relied on ibuprofen or aspirin for pain. But after surgery, she took the pills and noticed immediate relief.

She recalled that she felt like she had “the flu” and was sore all over. After taking one pill, “all the symptoms went away. It gave me the best high I ever felt. I was on top of the world, and I could accomplish everything!”

Now 53, Christine tells PEOPLE why she never shared this struggle on the show. “I just dealt with it privately because at the time, it was absolutely devastating,” she said. “Even though I was on it for a month, the effects lasted at least six. I didn’t feel normal for a long time.”

Christine called oxycodone “a terrible, addictive thing if you don’t need it,” explaining that since she can become hooked on things easily, it’s better for her to stay away from strong medications. “It was so personal, and it was embarrassing. I didn’t know if I wanted people to know that about me,” she admitted.

In her book, Christine also reflects on growing up in the Mormon faith, her struggles in marriage with Kody Brown, and her journey toward independence. She hopes readers of all kinds can connect with her story.

“I think there are a lot of people, men and women, who are in relationships where they feel less than, or mistreated,” she said. “What I would love is for people to realize that you’ve got to find yourself and make sure you live life for yourself. You have to make your own decisions.”

Christine admits she spent years going along with what others wanted, instead of focusing on her own needs. Eventually, she realized she had to make choices for herself — even if it meant leaving.