Stephanie Davis is an alcoholic.
The former ‘Hollyoaks’ star has revealed she sought treatment in rehab three months ago after she hit the bottle when she developed post-traumatic stress disorder when her turbulent relationship with Jeremy McConnell, with whom she has 13-month-old son Caben-Albi, came to an end last year.
Speaking to OK! magazine, she said: "I knew that if I didn’t take drastic measures to turn my life around, I would end up dead. I was drinking heavily and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after I split up with Jeremy, because of everything I had been through while we were together.
"It got to the point where I was drinking most days until I would black out, and I was feeling suicidal. I knew that for Caben’s sake, I had to sort myself out before it was too late. I’m an alcoholic. Going to rehab saved my life.
"I’ve always turned to drink when I’ve gone through difficult times, but I started drinking more and more when I was with Jeremy in order to block out how awful the relationship was. It took me a long time to realise that I had a serious problem.
"I’m a young girl who appeared to have it all; I didn’t fit the stereotype of what I thought an alcoholic was. Rehab has taught me that I have to give up alcohol for good – I’m 90 days sober and I no longer need booze to help me cope.
"I took an overdose while I was still with Jeremy. I was taken to hospital and the paps were outside when I left so now I think Jeremy told them we were there. After we split up there were several times when I thought about killing myself."
And now that she’s got her life back on track, the 24-year-old actress is determined to be the best mother she can be to Caben because she she didn’t feel "present."
She explained: "I know it sounds cheesy but he really is my best friend. I love nothing more than having him in my arms, giving him kisses and cuddles. I’ve always been there for Caben but during my lowest points I never felt like I was truly present. Now I have a clear head I can give him the upbringing he deserves. I know that one day he’s going to be so proud of me for turning my life around."
Read the full story in this week’s OK! Magazine or online at http://www.ok.co.uk
Stephanie Davis is an alcoholic
