Jackie O Henderson Opens Up About Drug Addiction Struggles and Journey to Sobriety
Radio host Jackie "O" Henderson candidly revealed her past struggles with addiction to alcohol, painkillers, and sleeping pills during a recent broadcast. After a month at the Betty Ford Centre, she achieved sobriety. Her experiences, beginning over fifteen years ago, intensified after her 2018 divorce and worsened during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Jackie plans to discuss her journey further in her upcoming memoir, expressing relief in being her authentic self and encouraging open discussions about addiction.
Radio host Jackie "O" Henderson has bravely revealed her past struggles with drug addiction and her journey to recovery during a heartfelt broadcast. This candid disclosure comes ahead of the release of her memoir, set for October 29.
Jackie O's Journey Through Addiction
In a recent on-air statement, Jackie O shared her experiences with addiction to alcohol, painkillers, and sleeping pills, which began over 15 years ago after being prescribed medication for endometriosis. Despite initially stopping her use of painkillers, Jackie relapsed following her divorce in 2018, turning to substances as a means of escape during a challenging period in her life.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Her Struggles
The isolation brought on by the COVID-19 lockdowns exacerbated Jackie’s addiction, leading her to consume alarming amounts of medication daily. She disclosed that at one point, she was taking around 24 Panadeine Forte and 10 to 12 Stilnox, raising serious concerns about her health and safety.
Seeking Help and Finding Recovery
After confiding in her best friend, Gemma O'Neill, Jackie was encouraged to enter the Betty Ford Centre in Palm Springs, California. This decision proved pivotal in her recovery, allowing her to confront her addiction and reclaim her life. Jackie expressed relief in being able to share her story and engage openly with the public about her experiences.
A Message of Authenticity and Apology
Jackie emphasized the importance of authenticity in her life, stating that she wanted to wait until she felt strong enough in her sobriety before discussing her addiction publicly. She also took the opportunity to apologize to her listeners for keeping her struggles private, explaining that her focus needed to be on recovery first.
Support Resources for Addiction
Jackie's openness about her addiction highlights the ongoing stigma surrounding such issues. She encourages anyone facing similar challenges to seek help, providing resources such as Lifeline and the Alcohol Drug Information Service for those in need of support.
