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Former Home and Away star reveals substance abuse struggle in candid post
"I have battled substance abuse for the most part of my life, stepping into recovery at 24, but never being able to say stopped."
Former Home and Away star Jodi Gordon has opened up about her struggles with substance abuse in a candid Instagram post for her 39th birthday.
Jodi, who played Martha MacKenzie on the soap from 2005 to 2010, shared the confession in a lengthy post, writing, "I have battled substance abuse for the most part of my life, stepping into recovery at 24, but never being able to say stopped. On April 7th 2022 I got sober and have stayed sober ever since, completely changing my life in ways I didn't think were possible."
She added, "My mother is my hero in this lifetime, constantly teaching me how to use my own strength to get back up, look forward and use the tools I have been given. You're the strongest, tallest person in every room mum."
Jodi also touched on her father, who passed away last year, describing him as "proper magic" and someone who taught her about "acceptance, forgiveness and unconditional love".
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Speaking about her daughter, she added, "I always wanted a big family, and I got one with my daughter Aleeia. She is unlike any human I have ever known, so loving, fierce, patient, wise, and curious.
"I love being her teacher and student," Jodi continued. "She is my reason for every day."
She then went on to thank her ex-husband and Aleeia's father, Braith Anasta, "for the most wonderful gift of a lifetime".
Jodi and the former NRL star were married from 2012 to 2015 after welcoming their daughter in 2014.
The actress went on to thank her friends, saying they "are her family" and "helped me to create the life I could only dream of today".
She also revealed she is now studying a Bachelor of Counselling and Communication Skills and is working in her first professional job in mental health with Sane Australia.
'Really dark place'
Jodi has previously spoken about her battle with depression following her 2022 rehab stay, saying she was in a "really dark place".
"There were no smiles at the start of those 30 days," she told Stellar. "To find yourself in a place where you have multiple people making the decision for you that you have to admit yourself into a rehab [facility], that’s not a place where you’re smiling.
"I learned so much through connection but also through the tools that you gain in how to start to deal with that pain, that trauma, how to break it down, coping mechanisms.
"And how, once you exit that rehab facility, to start implementing those tools into your life and restructure and build a bigger, better life."
Mental health support for yourself or a loved one can be found by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Online support is available via Beyond Blue.
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