In early July, Hayden Panettiere sat down for an interview with People, where she was incredibly vulnerable about all that she has gone through over the past few years. Not only did the star battle addiction to opioids and alcohol, but at the same time, she was dealing with postpartum depression. “I was on top of the world, and I ruined it,” she told the outlet, adding that every time she thought she hit “rock bottom,” there was “that trap door that opens.” She confessed to starting drugs at a young age, and it got worse as she grew up in the spotlight. “Things kept getting out of control [off set]. And as I got older, the drugs and alcohol became something I almost couldn’t live without,” she shared.
Luckily, the star got the help she needed by going to trauma therapy and inpatient treatment. “I put a lot of work into myself, and I had to be willing to be incredibly honest,” she said, adding that there were plenty of “ups and downs.” But, she’s still looking at the glass half-full. “But I don’t regret even the ugliest things that have happened to me. I feel incredibly accomplished. And I feel like I have a second chance,” the actor revealed.
There’s no doubt that Panettiere is using her platform to raise awareness about drug and alcohol addiction, and she also acknowledged Mental Health Day on Instagram on May 20. She’s come so far.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Nicki
