Ulrika Jonsson has bravely opened up about her experience with alcohol – revealing that before giving up the bottle, she would binge-drink wine and spirits.
Since receiving the advice of a concerned friend who realised she had a problem, Ulrika has achieved 121 days without touching a drop of the thing that previously ruled her life.
Now, having overcome her own issue, the presenter is doing her utmost to help others feel less ashamed by recounting her hard-fought battle during Sober October.
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The Sweden-born star explained that she used alcohol as a tool to battle other problems in her life, ultimately resulting in blackouts.
(Image: ulrikajonssonofficial /Instagram)
Jonsson told the Sun: “Drink quelled my anxiety. It transported me to another place where I felt at peace — where the problems of the world couldn’t reach me and, most importantly, where I felt numb.
She added: “But the number of times I would black out and not recall the night before when I had been drinking alone, were increasing.
“I was a highly functioning binge-drinker. I never woke up dishevelled in a pool of sick.”
(Image: ulrikajonssonofficial/Instagram)
The catalyst for the 57-year-old eventually undergoing her journey of kicking alcohol into touch came after a friend told her that the situation had gone too far.
The TV host explained: “One Saturday morning, my best friend, who I love and cherish, called me and basically told me we had spoken the night before, and she hadn’t understood a word I had said.
“She told me I needed help. I knew it came from a place of love.”
(Image: EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS)
The conversation prompted Ulrika to reach out to a T-Total pal, who convinced her to give up alcohol once and for all.
She added: “I reached out to a friend who hasn’t had a drink for five years and said, ‘I can’t do this any more’.
“And that was my first sober day. I haven’t touched a drink since.”
(Image: Instagram)
In a testament to Ulrika’s self-belief and determination, she is no longer drinking, saying the decision has massively improved her well-being.
The ex-Shooting Stars team captain beamed: “I’ve found an inner-peace, despite the fact that life continues to throw me horrendous curveballs. My anxiety has decreased beyond recognition.
“I have suffered the loss of one of my dogs, and I still didn’t turn to drink. I’ve dealt with other traumas during these past months — and remain sober.
“One of the most important things I’ve learned is that a drink will not make the situation any better.
“For today, it’s one day at a time. I don’t take my sobriety for granted because it’s a journey, not a destination.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
