Danniella Westbrook has been praised as she posted a "strong" message about overcoming addiction.
The former EastEnders star claimed her son, 26-year-old Kai Jenkins, "saved" her life. In an emotional post on her Instagram account, the 49-year-old actress shared the troubles that her addiction brought to her family and explained how being a mum helped to give her the drive needed to recover.
She shared an image of her and her son together with the text "my best friend" written over it. Danniella wrote: "I know in my heart he was sent to me for a reason."
READ MORE: Boots shoppers praise 'miracle' £1.50 eye gel that makes 'puffy eyes disappear'
The TV personality said: "Being his mum has saved my life blessed me and broken my heart. It broke my heart for all the pain worry and embarrassment my selfish actions in addiction caused him. To this day and probably for ever more both Kai and Jodie will get trolled and bullied because I was a cocaine addict.
"This boy who’s now a man has always been the most loyal loving and brutally honest person in my life. He's shown me love and sometimes such tough love that no other in my life has cared that much to do."
She added: "Everyday I wake up I thank god for my kids and their love. And I can say without hesitation if I didn’t have Kai I probably wouldn’t of made it.
"God blesses us when he makes us parents and today I count those blessings and don’t intend to let anything or anyone take me off the path to rebuilding trust bonds and bridges that my addiction broke. That’s why I’m constantly aware of my triggers and temptations today and I will never take for granted again just how cunning and devious my illness is.
"The day I think I’m cured is the day I am in danger. And my dangerous Danniella days are behind me."
Some of her 106,000 Instagram followers were quick to offer up messages of praise and support. One user said: "Wow that's an open an honest share. Keep going for you, for you to be the best version if you for your kids. You're so worth recovery remember that and it's an illness. We're responsible for our recovery, one day at a time. God bless you sweet."
Another said: "This is such a heart-rending and powerful post, Danniella. You are strong and brave and you deserve happiness. Keep going. Sending love."
Meanwhile a third added: "It takes a lot to stop an addiction. You should be proud."
Danniella's struggle with drug addiction was much publicised in the 1990s and 2000s. In September 2021, Danniella vowed to give up cocaine and champagne after feeling like a 'fraud' for relapsing during her battle with drug addiction.
Receive newsletters with the biggest and breaking TV and showbiz news by signing up here
For more celeb news, videos and pictures follow our designated Facebook page HERE
READ NEXT:
Martin Lewis says 100,000 people entitled to £6,000 cash back due to DWP error
Cyprus travel warning issued from UK Foreign Office
EE, O2 and Virgin Mobile raising contract prices but what can you do about it
Emmerdale Danny Miller begs for help as he shares health update
A Place in the Sun's Laura Hamilton wished well as she starts new job
