Jackie O praised for 'selfless act' after revealing secret drug addiction

Jackie ‘O’ Henderson has shared a huge announcement on social media just a few days after revealing her secret drug and alcohol addiction. The radio host, 49, broke down on air last week as she detailed her secret stint in a rehabilitation centre in California almost two years ago to tackle her substance abuse.

Taking to Instagram on Monday afternoon, Jackie revealed that she will be donating all of the profits from her memoir ‘The Whole Truth’ - which hit shelves on Tuesday morning - to charity. She said she had been “deeply moved” by the messages she’s received since sharing her story from people who are facing similar challenges but can’t afford rehab.

“I was fortunate enough to have access to treatment and I recognise how privileged that makes me. Unfortunately, not everyone has the same opportunity,” she wrote.

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Jackie shared that all profits from her book will be donated to Odyssey House Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre, which provides “life-changing support to individuals seeking treatment but who are struggling financially”.

“I'm grateful for the important work they do and I'm honoured to donate all my profits from my book to this incredible organisation. The work they do is powerful, important and transformative,” she continued.

“Thank you to everyone who has shared their personal stories with me. I'm still reading through your messages and will do my best to respond to each one. Your honesty and support means the world to me.”

Fans praise 'selfless act'

Jackie’s post was quickly flooded with comments from followers praising her decision, with Angie Kent writing: “Oh Jackie this is so incredible. What a blessing to be in a position to give back this much! What a darlin soul.”

“You have and will continue to make a very big impact on a lot of people Jackie. Bravo Jackie! Bravo!” Michelle Bridges added, followed by Luke McLeod who said, “You’re changing so many lives for the better hon. A true inspiration. So proud of you. Big love!”.

“In difficult situations, people often ask, ‘But what difference can just one person make?’. Well, here’s your answer. Wow Jack. Now let’s make it a best-seller to help hundreds of others,” The Morning Show’s Kylie Gillies shared.

“Such a selfless act Jackie. The world could do with more of you,” one fan commented, while another added, “This is going to mean so much to them! They work so hard!”.

Jackie inspires others to seek rehab

In addition to raising money for those struggling with substance dependencies, Jackie has inspired people all over Australia to address their own issues and seek rehab.

Yahoo Lifestyle can reveal that Google searches for “rehab” have spiked 73% across the country in the last week compared to this time last month, and searches relating to drug addiction - such as “Am I a drug addict?” and “Do I have a drug addiction” - have increased by 71% following Jackie’s emotional announcement. According to data collected by Google Trends, the most common related searches to the above terms are “Jackie O drug addiction” and “Jackie O”.

Following Jackie’s on air confession, TikTok creator and former Pop Stars star Angie Chase broke down in a TikTok video on Thursday admitting her similar struggles.

“There’s been years of me saying yes to every substance. Drugs destroyed my mental health, relationship and I was doing it to cope because I have trauma,” she shared. “To realise that Jackie had similar issues has blown my mind.”

Jack Vidgen opens up about addiction battle

Similarly, Jack Vidgen shared an emotional post on Saturday morning revealing he’d voluntarily checked himself into a rehab facility after a five-week relapse in his addiction.

“I’m not exactly sure why I’m making this post. I’m sure there’s going to be fall out from it in terms of working the brands, gigs, and other career related things,” he said. “To be completely honest, that’s why I haven’t made this kind of a post sooner.

“Anyway, I’m past the point of that stuff mattering to me more than my mental health and being honest about where I’m at.”

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Jackie, who has since admitted she would like to open her own rehabilitation centre in Australia, responded to Jack’s post: “Sending you so much love Jack. Addiction is so powerful but nothing to be ashamed of. Wishing you healing energy and nothing but love and support.”

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

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