James Argent has bravely spoken out about his struggles with drug addiction, revealing that he is now sober after a long battle with substance abuse.
The TOWIE star, 35, has admitted that he has battled with addiction for years - unbeknownst to even some of his closest loved ones - but he is now in a much happier and better place after having kicked his addiction.
Appearing on GB News, the reality star said it was a ‘tough time’ for him in his life, but after overhauling his lifestyle and losing almost 14 stone, James is now sober and happier than ever before.
The much-loved reality TV star told Nana Akua on GB News: "I battled with that for a number of years. But I've got through it and I'm doing alright.
"I'm doing well. I'm clean, sober, and I have been for a long time now."
During the honest and eye-opening interview, James also opened up about his struggle with his weight which was heightened to extreme levels during the coronavirus lockdown.
Since then, Arg has undergone a gastric sleeve operation and has dropped an incredible 14 stone, making him almost unrecognisable.
The brave star revealed that his relationship with food addiction was destroying his life, and after lockdown, he knew he had to either lose weight or 'give up'.
"I kind of didn't really have a very good routine and structure and definitely used food to balance that out when I wanted comfort. Being locked down for me wasn't easy," he explained.
"You know some people really got into their exercise and they'd be doing at-home workouts while other people really quite struggled. I had a bad relationship with food.
"I would either do no exercise at all and binge eat or I would starve myself and train three times a day. I was either morbidly obese or slim. I was constantly yo-yo-ing"
James added: "I now have a great relationship with food and with exercise and I have got the balance right.
"I am proud of what I have achieved."
Arg first sought treatment for his substance abuse in 2020, after previously having paramedics called to his house amid fears he had taken an overdose.
He confided in close friends, such as fellow ex-Towie star Mark Wright, who later said he was ‘so proud’ of Arg for what he was able to overcome.
In January 2021, Arg celebrated one year of sobriety and has spoken publicly about his recovery in the hopes that it will hold him accountable.
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