Billy and Ami Brown Break Their Silence as Oldest Son Matt Enters Rehab for the Second Time

Photo credit: Frederick M. Brown - Getty Images
Photo credit: Frederick M. Brown - Getty Images

From Country Living

Matt Brown, a star of Discovery’s Alaskan Bush People, revealed this week he is returning to rehab for alcohol abuse for the second time. Now, Matt’s parents, Ami and Billy Brown, are opening up to People about their oldest child’s substance abuse issues, and how they’ll be by his side as he recovers.

“It’s hard not having one of my babies here with us,” Ami told the magazine. “He was so strong for me, and I want to be strong for him.” Matt’s struggles with alcohol abuse come after Ami was diagnosed with lung cancer, which she beat despite a slim chance of survival.

Matt first went to rehab in 2016, when he was 33. And at first, he said it was tough to open up to his family about his issues, since his parents and siblings don’t drink. But the Brown family has rallied around Matt in his time of need.

“We miss him terribly, but we’d rather lose him from home for a little while than lose him forever,” Billy told People. “We just want him to do what he needs to do to get better.”

The official Alaskan Bush People Facebook page listed resources for those seeking help for substance abuse, and noted, “The Brown family comes together to support Matt.”

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