Tulisa Contostavlos, best known for her time as a judge on The X Factor and for her music career, has bravely opened up about a deeply personal battle with prescription drug dependency. In a candid interview, Tulisa revealed the emotional turmoil she faced during the COVID lockdown, a time when she struggled with benzodiazepine addiction, which almost led her to the brink of death. Her journey from addiction to recovery is both eye-opening and inspiring, shedding light on the challenges faced by many who deal with substance dependency.
Tulisa’s Decision to Speak Out
For years, Tulisa kept her struggles with prescription drugs under wraps, but during an intimate conversation with podcaster Paul C Brunson, she finally decided to break her silence. The 36-year-old singer and former X Factor judge spoke candidly about her journey to sobriety and how her battle with addiction shaped her life.
Before entering the I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! jungle, Tulisa had already begun confronting her issues. However, it wasn’t until she tried to quit sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication cold turkey that she realised the full extent of her dependency.
Tulisa’s Prescription Drug Dependency: The Hidden Struggle
During the pandemic lockdown, Tulisa found herself in an isolated and vulnerable position. Away from the spotlight, she faced personal turmoil. She discovered that her dog had been diagnosed with cancer, and like many others, the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic weighed heavily on her.
In her interview, Tulisa described how she turned to sleeping pills like zopiclone and anti-anxiety medication like diazepam to cope. These medications were prescribed to help her with her sleep issues and anxiety, but soon she became reliant on them.
- Benzodiazepine Addiction: Tulisa became unknowingly dependent on the drugs, which are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia.
- Self-Medication: With the lockdown in full force, Tulisa found herself alone and self-medicating to numb the emotional pain.
- Withdrawal Struggles: After realising she needed to quit, Tulisa went cold turkey, suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms, including chest pains and panic attacks. “I felt like I was having a heart attack,” she admitted, describing the terrifying moment she thought she might die.
Her words shed light on the often misunderstood and insidious nature of prescription drug dependency. While many may assume addiction is linked solely to illicit substances, Tulisa’s story shows that prescription medication can be just as dangerous if not taken responsibly.
The Turning Point: Overcoming Addiction
The turning point in Tulisa’s journey came when she recognised the severity of her situation. “I can’t numb myself every day,” she said. After realising that the drugs had a hold on her, she made the difficult decision to stop using them.
But quitting wasn’t easy. Her body had become so accustomed to the medication that stopping suddenly caused severe withdrawal symptoms. Tulisa found herself shaking, experiencing panic attacks, and suffering from severe anxiety. Her mental health deteriorated as she struggled with the physical and psychological toll of the drugs.
But despite the intense hardships, Tulisa stayed determined to free herself from the grip of addiction. Her honesty about the challenge of breaking free serves as a valuable reminder to others who may be facing similar struggles.
The Role of ‘I’m A Celebrity’ in Her Recovery
By the time she entered the I’m A Celebrity jungle, Tulisa had made significant strides in her recovery. However, her journey wasn’t without its challenges. She described her time in the jungle as both a test of strength and a way to face her anxiety head-on.
In her interview, Tulisa revealed that during filming, she had an anxiety attack off-camera. She retreated to the smoking area to try and calm herself, not wanting her co-stars or the cameras to see her distress. “I was trying to bring my heart rate down, literally through my nose,” she explained. “I wanted to leave that day. I thought, ‘I can’t do this,’ but I stuck it out.”
Despite feeling overwhelmed at times, Tulisa’s resilience shone through. “I came here to stick it out,” she recalled, adding that the experience brought many joyful moments thanks to the support of her fellow contestants.
For Tulisa, I’m A Celebrity wasn’t just a reality TV show. It became a platform for her to prove to herself that she could face her fears, cope with anxiety, and continue moving forward in her recovery journey. The experience helped her regain confidence, and she felt proud of her ability to overcome challenges.
The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability
Tulisa’s decision to speak out about her addiction and recovery is a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity. She spoke about how important it was for her to be real and transparent, especially in the public eye. “If I’m going to be in this industry, I want to remain authentic,” she said. “I want to speak words that make a difference.”
Her vulnerability not only helps raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drug misuse but also encourages others to seek help if they find themselves struggling with addiction or mental health challenges.
The Road Ahead: A Healthier, Happier Tulisa
Today, Tulisa continues to prioritise her mental health and well-being. She has emerged from her struggle with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to stay sober and remain authentic in her career and personal life. Tulisa’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of seeking help when needed.
For anyone reading this who may be struggling with similar issues, Tulisa’s message is clear: Recovery is possible, and with the right support, you can overcome even the toughest of challenges.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
- The Dangers of Prescription Drug Abuse
- How to Recognise Prescription Drug Addiction
- I’m A Celebrity Contestants: The Mental Health Struggles Behind the Fame
- Dealing with Anxiety and Addiction: A Guide
- Supporting a Loved One Through Addiction Recovery
Photo credit: The Mirror
