Gateshead-born singer Michelle Heaton has shared a montage of pictures from the moment she was rushed to hospital after collapsing amid a battle with alcoholism.
The Liberty X member shared the terrifying memory with her 300,000 Instagram followers on New Year's Eve to mark two years of her sobriety, saying she is now at her 'happiest and healthiest'.
The 43-year-old star, who will take part in the 2023 series of Dancing On Ice, regularly shares about her battle with alcoholism and recovery journey in a bid to give inspiration to those going through a similar experience, the Mirror reports.
Posting on Instagram last night, she said: "Two years ago this was me .. I was admitted to hospital, not for the first or the last time."
She told her followers that she had left the hospital and went straight to an off-licence to buy vodka. "I had collapsed in active addiction," she explained.
"I left the hospital the next day, I walked over to the off-licence and bought more vodka," she said. "Seems insane? It is! But it was the only way I knew how to live. So I thought."
Michelle, who shot to fame on the talent show Popstars in 2001, said: "I swore to my peers, family and doctors I was on the mend. I meant it. But my mind of an addict had a different plan."
The mother-of-two urged: "New year is a time we all make goals, and resolutions. Why don’t you make your goal to reach out to someone like me?
"I turned it down so many times, so don’t be discouraged if they say no. The day will come when they’ve just had enough.
"If you or anyone you know is struggling help is out there. Visit www.aa.org there is a solution.. one day at a time your life can be filled with hope faith & courage."
It comes after she posed a beaming photo of herself, husband Hugh Hanley and their loved-ones enjoying a meal together at Christmas.
She said: "My 2nd Christmas clean and sober … my heart is full of gratitude and joy that today was not spoilt by my behaviour & chaos, but filled with love & laughter.
On December 19 she marked 600 days sober, saying: "I like to post my sober milestones ... not to show off - to show it’s possible.
"I mean - 600 days ... WOW. I couldn’t remain sober for 1 day ...My New Year’s resolution was always broken by brunch.
"I think it’s really important, whether you are one of us or just want to cut down, NEVER to set your sights on a date!
"It always fails, if you’re one of us anyway. One day at a time, that’s how I’ve done it."
She added: "Each day I wake up with the intention for a clean and sober 24 hours. I go to bed thankful I hit that pillow without the pain and suffering addiction put me in.
"I wake up and pray for another 24 hours. If you are struggling visit www.aa.org for help."
Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
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