Michelle Heaton has candidly discussed her struggle to stay sober on holiday as she shared a series of bikini photos from her trip to the Caribbean.
The singer, 44, decided she wanted to change her ways on New Year’s Day 2021 and sought help, with the performer now being three years sober.
Sharing an update to Instagram on Thursday, she shared some tips to help in ‘extremely tough and triggering’ situations such as all inclusive resorts.
Clutching on to a non-alcoholic cocktail, Michelle showed off her toned figure in a navy blue swimsuit.
She captioned the post: ‘Fellow alcoholics little tip I’ve learnt on this holiday. When in an all inclusive it can be extremely tough and triggering in more ways than one.’
Michelle Heaton, 44, has candidly discussed her struggle to stay sober on holiday as she shared a series of bikini photos from her trip to the Caribbean
Michelle continued: ‘I can’t stand the response from the bartenders “what do you mean no alcohol” or when you ask for a virgin one, unless I have one of my kids with me, they ply it with booze anyway.
‘Always have someone with you who can test it first or, watch them like a hawk when they are making it.
‘But of course, Abstaining from heading to the bar yourself maybe the best idea, for those in early recovery or feel vulnerable.
‘However, if you are like me, who gets rather fed up of the Diet Coke or Fanta situation most bars usually have a virgin pina colada or frozen strawberry slush ready for children with no alcohol in it to begin with! And then they add alcohol to it for the “normal drinker.”
‘Just ask for a kids pina colada, no questions asked and no awkward explaining like I’ve done here “I’m an alcoholic” and scare them all away.
Theres a whole new era of non alcohol options in the UK. Some might say it’s now cool NOT to drink alcohol. Amazing how times have evolved.
But on holiday destinations especially around the Caribbean who have the “normal drinker” as their customer it’s not as easy to get what you want!
‘Be smart, be visual and make choices that don’t trigger you. What do you guys do to? Let’s share and help each other.’
The singer decided she wanted to change her ways on New Year’s Day 2021 and sought help, with the performer now being three years sober
Sharing an update to Instagram on Thursday, she shared some tips to help in ‘extremely tough and triggering’ situations such as all inclusive resorts (pictured with her husband Hugh Hanley)
She captioned the post: ‘Fellow alcoholics little tip I’ve learnt on this holiday. When in an all inclusive it can be extremely tough and triggering in more ways than one’
Michelle promised to quit alcohol every New Year for ‘at least five years’ and would be drinking by midday on New Year’s Day before she checked into rehab in 2021.
The singer would down a litre of vodka and a bottle of wine on New Year’s Eve and would have to drink the next day to steady herself as she battled fear, nausea and pain as a result of her binge.
Pop star Michelle, who shares children Faith, 11, and AJ, nine, with husband Hugh Hanley, decided she wanted to change her ways on New Year’s Day 2021 and sought help, with the performer now being three years sober.
After years of heavy drinking, in April 2021 Michelle checked into the Priory Clinic where she got help for her alcohol addiction.
During the Christmas period of 2020, Michelle was hospitalised following a mammoth drinking session in Liverpool, with the star needing to be put on a drip for 48 hours after blacking out.
However, after she was discharged she headed straight to the nearest off-licence and carried on drinking.
Weeks earlier, she had collapsed backstage at a theatre as she prepared to take to the stage for a performance, when she was left dangerously dehydrated by booze.
Michelle recently said she feels ‘lucky to be alive’ after achieving sobriety, believing she has a guardian angel who watches over her.
She told new! magazine: ‘On paper, I really should have died years ago. But there’s an angel out there keeping an eye on me and I’m so grateful.
‘Every day, I know I’m lucky to be alive and here for Faith and AJ.’
Meanwhile, Michelle lashed out at ‘so-called friends’ who attempted to cash in on her addiction nightmare.
She told OK! magazine: ‘When I came out of rehabilitation, my family and I decided to share my story in my own time and in my own words so the narrative couldn’t be twisted by people around me who were so-called friends.’
Michelle recently said she feels ‘lucky to be alive’ after achieving sobriety, believing she has a guardian angel who watches over her (Michelle still performs with two of her Liberty X bandmates, Jessica Taylor, centre, and Kelli Young, right)
When asked who was betraying her, Michelle explained: ‘I had people who were trying to make a bit of money on the side and sell their experiences of my addiction. Those people know who they are.
‘So I took matters into my own hands to tell my truth. It did me a favour in the end – it helped me to be honest and to help others.’
Michelle has now been sober for two and half years, and insists kicking her addiction has made her feel liberated.
She told the publication: ‘I’m feeling amazing. I’m so free now and it’s a place I dreamed of getting to.’
For help with alcohol or drugs, call FRANK 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0300 123 6600, text 82111, or email here www.talktofrank.com/contact
