Earlier this week, Jackie O took a moment on her morning radio show to discuss a very personal struggle. The radio host opened up about her battle with drug addiction, specifically to painkillers, sleeping pills and alcohol.
The presenter shared that during this time she was consuming 24 potent codeine tablets daily, along with 14 Stilnox sleeping pills, and alcohol.
She also shared that the full story would be revealed in her upcoming memoir The Whole Truth.
Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald journalist Konrad Marshall, who helped write the book, Jackie revealed her slide into addiction started around seven years ago — the same time her marriage was breaking down. She explained on air that it was a way of relieving stress and sadness.
But things took a turn after moving into a palatial home in Woollahra, which she bought in 2020 — on the cusp of the isolating pandemic lockdowns. "It was hell, because of how quickly I spiralled in that house," she told the publication.
"I went deep into my addiction there. It's a beautiful house, but it felt like a fortress. My concrete prison."
Jackie O finally opens up about her addiction story.
For years, Jackie kept the truth to herself, prioritising her privacy. She finally decided to be honest with her listeners on October 24, by reading out the prologue of her new memoir The Whole Truth.
"I was scared to tell people and say this out loud, I know people will look at me differently and love me," she said on radio. "I was in a really, really dark place."
"That's what the addiction to your brain, it changes your way of thinking, it doesn't want you to get help, it's so powerful," she said through tears.
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