Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton has marked her road to sobriety by sharing shocking photos of the time she ended up in hospital after collapsing from her alcohol addiction. The 43-year-old, who will take to the ice for the 2023 series of Dancing On Ice, regularly shares about her battle with alcoholism and road to recovery to help others.
She was hailed an inspiration as she took to Instagram on New Year's Eve to say: "Two years ago this was me .. I was admitted to hospital, not for the first or the last time." She explained to her followers that she had left the hospital and went straight to an off-licence to buy vodka.
"I had collapsed in active addiction. I left the hospital the next day, I walked over to the off-licence and bought more vodka," she said. "Seems insane? It is! But it was the only way I knew how to live. So I thought."
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Michelle, who shot to fame on the talent show Popstars in 2001 which formed the band Liberty X, said: "I swore to my peers, family and doctors I was on the mend. I meant it. But my mind of an addict had a different plan."
The mother-of-two urged: "New year is a time we all make goals, and resolutions. Why don’t you make your goal to reach out to someone like me? I turned it down so many times, so don’t be discouraged if they say no. The day will come when they’ve just had enough.
"If you or anyone you know is struggling help is out there. Visit www.aa.org there is a solution.. one day at a time your life can be filled with hope faith & courage #addiction #recovery #hope #solution."
At Christmas a beaming Michelle posted a photo of herself and husband Hugh Hanley and their loved-ones enjoying a meal together as she wrote: "My 2nd Christmas clean and sober … my heart is full of gratitude and joy that today was not spoilt by my behaviour & chaos, but filled with love & laughter. Happy Christmas everyone … from the Heaton - Hanley household …"
On December 19 she marked 600 days sober, saying: "I like to post my sober milestones ... not to show off - to show it’s possible. I mean - 600 days ... WOW. I couldn’t remain sober for 1 day ...My New Year’s resolution was always broken by brunch.
I think it’s really important, wether you are one of us or just want to cut down, NEVER to set your sights on a date! It always fails, if you’re one of us anyway. One day at a time, that’s how I’ve done it."
She added: "Each day I wake up with the intention for a clean and sober 24 hours. I go to bed thankful I hit that pillow without the pain and suffering addiction put me in. I wake up and pray for another 24 hours. If you are struggling visit www.aa.org for help."
In June 2021 the pop star celebrated being 60 days sober, admitting that she would have found it difficult to manage six hours before entering rehab. Michelle previously said she was days from death and was only saved by an intervention from celebrity pals led by Katie Price.
"Today I am 60 days clean and sober," she wrote to her Instagram followers. "There was a point where six hours would have been hard to do.
"There was a point where I gave up any hope, attempt, empty promises because I became so sick. I admitted 60 days ago I was powerless to alcohol. And it had total control over me."
She added: "One day at a time. One more day than yesterday. A moments silence to all those still suffering like I was. The first step, the hardest step - to admit it to yourself you need help. Second is asking for it. #yougotthis."
The previous month she posted a joyous photo of the moment she was reunited with her businessman husband Hugh, their daughter Faith, 10, and son AJ, eight, as she left The Priory.
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