Is Missing Mom a Runaway or Victim?

Jan. 28, 2009— -- Kentucky police are searching treacherous terrain for a missing mother who was last seen stepping out of a car near a rural area.

Nicole Vanzant, 27, disappeared after an argument with her ex-boyfriend, Josh Brown, on Jan. 19, according to police. Brown said she insisted on being let out of the car following the dispute. She hasn't been seen since, despite extensive searches of the largely rural area.

But while Vanzant's parents portray their daughter as a loving mother who may have been hurt by her ex, Brown has told police that Vanzant was a drug addict who likely ran off in search of her next fix.

The missing woman's father, Rick Penix, confirmed to ABC News.com that Vanzant has a drug problem, but described her as "just a real loving daughter."

Brown, 34, said Vanzant got out of the car that Monday afternoon because she was angry that he refused to help her find pills.

Brown said he would never hurt Vanzant, whom he's dated on and off since the summer.

"Nobody wants anything bad to happen to Nicole," he told ABCNews.com. "But the truth has to come out about her character."

Citing the ongoing investigation, the Kentucky State Police won't comment on the backgrounds of either Brown or Vanzant, both of whom have reportedly had their share of troubles.

Kentucky State Police trooper Ralph Lockard told ABCNews.com that police were initially looking at Vanzant's disappearance as possible foul play. But a week into the search, they aren't so sure.

"It's still open," he said.

Brown is not a suspect at this time, he said. "We can't find anything, at this particular point, that he's hiding from us."

Vanzant continues to be classified by police as a missing person.