In a deeply personal and raw account, Millie Mackintosh shares her journey to sobriety, beginning with a critical moment in her marriage that forced her to confront her relationship with alcohol.
Hugo, her husband, delivered an ultimatum that would change everything: “If you don’t stop drinking, it’s going to end our marriage.”
This conversation came the morning after a disastrous night at his best friend’s wedding, where Millie’s emotional and drunken behavior had left her feeling ashamed.
The Impact of Alcohol on Millie’s Life
The wedding night, a blur of lost phones, tears, and anger, was only the latest instance of Millie’s struggle with alcohol.
After meeting Hugo on the reality show Made in Chelsea, Millie had continued to battle her reliance on alcohol, a habit that had plagued her throughout her teens and 20s.
While pregnancy had forced her to take a break from drinking, it wasn’t long before alcohol crept back into her life, especially after the birth of her first daughter, Sienna.
A trip to the Mediterranean with her family, one that should have been relaxing and picturesque, became a turning point for Millie.
Waking up in a panic attack, she realized that her drinking had spiraled out of control.
Facing Reality and Making a Life-Altering Decision
Millie’s moment of clarity came after that frightening panic attack, when she finally admitted to herself—and to Hugo—that she needed to stop drinking.
This declaration marked the start of a long and difficult journey toward sobriety.
As she began her sober life in August 2022, Millie faced many challenges, including the constant pressure of “wine o’clock” culture among fellow mums and the temptation to drink as a way of coping with motherhood.
Sobriety, Anxiety, and Personal Growth
In the months following her decision, Millie encountered both the highs and the lows of sobriety.
While her anxiety and mental health struggles intensified, she also began to feel the benefits of being alcohol-free.
With the help of therapy and antidepressants, Millie learned more about herself and worked through deep-seated issues from her past, including trauma from her childhood.
Through therapy, she also realized that her anxiety stemmed from a lack of self-love, a feeling that had plagued her for years.
Rebuilding Her Life and Relationships
As Millie continued her journey, she noticed profound changes in her physical and emotional well-being.
Her relationship with Hugo improved, and her connection with her daughters deepened. The freedom that came with sobriety allowed her to become the mother and wife she had always wanted to be.
It wasn’t always easy, but she found strength in her sobriety and in the self-awareness that came with it.
The Gift of Sobriety
Looking back, Millie now sees her decision to quit drinking as one of the best things she’s ever done for herself.
Not only did it improve her relationships and her health, but it also allowed her to embrace life fully, without the need for alcohol to mask her emotions.
Millie’s story is one of courage, healing, and transformation, offering hope to anyone struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
Adapted from Bad Drunk by Millie Mackintosh, this excerpt provides an intimate glimpse into her path to self-discovery and healing.
The full book, set to be published on January 15, 2025, delves deeper into her journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
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