James Argent has shared details of his recent relapse saying just one drink inevitably can lead to more and he is now refocused on his recovery.
The 34-year-old former The Only Way Is Essex star has struggled with drugs and alcohol in the past but had managed to work through his issues and was living sober for two years.
But earlier this month, a night out ended in disaster as Arg relapsed and started drinking – prompting concerned friends to call an ambulance which attended to him at his home in Essex.
The reality star has now broken his silence for the first time since the worrying incident – which happened two weeks ago.
Speaking to The Sun, Arg explained: “I had a very bad relapse after having some cravings for a while, but instead of ringing my therapist I had a drink for the first time in two years.”
He went on to explain that there is an adage among addicts that ‘one drink is never enough’, and he said things “escalated” after he gave in to temptation.
He explained: “I went to a comedy night with some friends in Bethnal Green, London - it was great fun, everyone was laughing, drinking and having a good time. I was having cravings again and when we went onto the afterparty in Essex I bought a round of drinks for my friends - unfortunately I gave in to temptation and had that first drink.
“After that, I can’t get into the specifics of what I did, but that’s where it all started and I ended up at home having an awful relapse - I’d been clean and sober for such a long time, it hit me like a ton of bricks as my body and mind hadn’t been used to it for so long.”
Arg’s worried friends called 999 and an ambulance rushed to his home where he was assessed and was able to stay at home rather than being hospitalised.
Arg says it took him two days to recover from his relapse – but added that he still doesn’t feel back to full health – adding he feels anxious and tired.
However, he is focused on getting better and is attending a walk-in rehab centre near his home six days per week.
He added: “I have to put my recovery before everything - my band, boxing, swimming, love life. It’s my priority because the reality is it’s life or death - my life is on the line, you know? Recovery first and everything else will fall into place.”
In his candid interview, James also explained that he used to binge eat when he wasn’t drinking or taking drugs as he struggled with his demons.
But since he had a gastric sleeve operation last year, he has lost an astonishing 13 stone but also isn’t able to ‘turn to food’ which he had used as a substitute for drink and drugs in the past.
Arg’s relapse was first reported back on 11 February.
A source revealed at the time: "James has been doing so well, but the drastic change to his lifestyle has had pressures of its own and can be tough.
“Unfortunately it happened on a day when he was feeling low and an ambulance had to be called.”
The source added: “He is changing his number again and is now focusing on surrounding himself with the right people who support him in his new healthy lifestyle."
