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ocial media has gone into overdrive this month with the shocking pictures posted by former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton showing her puffy face and bloodshot eyes at the height of her alcohol addiction a mere 20 weeks ago. Michelle posted two pictures of herself ‘before and after’ saying: “This picture is not to shock, it was my reality! Ruined – immune system was shutting down. The second is me today – Saved – strong, happy, healthy.” Luckily for the star, who rose to fame in 2001 after winning a spot in reality TV made band Liberty X, she has overcome her demons and after a stint in rehab she is now 20 weeks sober. She felt compelled to speak out about the depths of her addiction as part of National Sober Day and National Recovery Month to help others. Michelle went on to say, “Encouragement of one day fuels more support and awareness, leading to long term sobriety. That’s something worth celebrating! The opposite of addiction is a connection. Recognising this provides a model for future generations who will be my picture one! And then the second picture demonstrates how to enjoy life alcohol-free, the day will embolden future generations to say no to alcohol.” It is a brave move for the star to publicly talk about her addictions. Michelle admitted at the height of her alcoholism she was drinking up to two bottles of wine and a bottle of vodka every day since 2018, until her rehab in May of this year. On entering the Priory rehab facility, Michelle, aged 42, admits the consultant rang her husband Hugh and told him he didn’t know if she was going to make it such was the extent of her liver damage. “My liver was failing,” she went on to say. “I’m four months sober now although back then I could never even imagine four days sober.” Here are 10 celebrities that have battled alcoholism yet luckily come out the other side. Hear in their own words how they have coped with their issues.
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