Jackie O inundated with support after shock on air confession: 'Cried my eyes out'

Trigger warning: This article references substance use disorder

Radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson stunned listeners on Thursday morning after revealing on The Kyle and Jackie O Show that she went to rehab for drug and alcohol addiction. The 49-year-old confessed that she checked herself in at The Betty Ford Centre in California in late 2022 when she famously took time off from her radio show.

Jackie read the prologue of her memoir, The Whole Truth, revealing she was battling an addiction to painkillers, sleeping pills and alcohol and began struggling when she split from her husband, Lee Henderson. Jackie also shared that she took around 10-12 Stilnox sleeping pills and 24 Panadeine Forte a day at the height of her addiction while drinking alcohol - which is against medical recommendations.

Kyle had 'no idea' about addiction battle

Kyle said he "had no idea" about her struggles after Jackie told him that only her closest family and her best friend and manager, Gemma O'Neill, knew. Like everyone else, her co-host thought she was taking an extended break because she was suffering from long Covid, saying he felt "embarrassed" that he had "no clue".

Newsreader Brooklyn Ross said he felt so bad that he offered Jackie alcohol in party situations, but she "never touched a single drop of alcohol this whole time", adding that he was so proud of her.

Fans share support for Jackie O

Friends and fans took to Instagram to share their support for Jackie, with radio host Mitch Churi writing, "Not easy to talk about. So proud of you and how far you’ve come."

Kyle and Jackie O's Melbourne producer and former Beauty and the Geek star Lachy Mansell added, "Wow @jackieo_official - you had me (and I reckon most of Sydney/Melbourne) in tears this morning… but we’re all so proud of you for the journey you’ve embarked upon, the best life you’re now living and the people you continue to inspire."

RELATED:

• Jackie O reveals drug and alcohol addiction live on air: 'Dark place'

• Abbie Chatfield reveals 'real reason' behind Kyle and Jackie O's ratings drop

• Kyle Sandilands' unexpected gesture for struggling family: 'Made me cry'

"You are an amazing woman and mum Jackie," one user said. "I applaud your honesty, you will make such a difference in other people's lives because of this!"

"Thank you Jackie for sharing your incredible story, you will never know how many people you have inspired to get the help they deserve," another added.

"I’m so glad you got help Jackie, thanks to Gemma for helping you too," a third said. "Hope you inspire more people to seek help. Well done."

"Cried my eyes out this morning... so much courage," one emotional lister said. "What a journey. You are amazing, a true inspiration to so many."

"I’ve never been more moved during a radio segment," someone else shared. "Your courage is remarkable. Huge respect!"

Why Jackie went public with addiction battle

Jackie said she questioned whether or not she would share this information as she didn't want to be known as a "former drug addict" but hoped that by sharing her story she could help someone else.

Jackie said she knew she'd regret not telling the truth, saying her addiction was "so powerful", adding she can't believe how her life changed after getting treatment for the disease.

"Life changed for me in the most positive way, I could never have imagined being this happy," Jackie said of her life after rehab.

Jackie added that she had asked her daughter Kitty, 13, for permission before sharing her story, saying she treated her with "compassion".

"I couldn't be more proud of my daughter, the way she has been about it has been zero judgement, just compassionate and supportive," the radio host said. "I said to Kitty, I feel there are so many people out there who have different kinds of addictions that are stuck in this place they can't get out of."

Jackie warned Kitty that her schoolmates might try to talk to her about it in an unkind way, and her daughter displayed a huge level of maturity by saying that she didn't want judgemental people in her life.

The host will mark two years of sobriety in a few weeks.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a drug and alcohol addiction, you can contact The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015

Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter.