James Argent has publicly opened up about his drug addiction issues.
The 35-year-old Towie legend battled addiction for “years,” but assures fans that he is in a much better place today.
The reality star told GB News last weekend that it was a ‘difficult moment’ for him.
‘I battled with that for a number of years, but I got through it.’
Of where he’s at now, he added: ‘I’m doing alright, I’m doing well.
‘I’m clean and sober, I have been for a long time now, and I’m in a good place.’
Arg sought therapy for his substance problems for the first time in 2020, after paramedics were summoned to his residence over worries he had overdosed.
He confided in close pals, including ex-Towie singer Mark Wright, who subsequently stated he was’so proud’ of Arg for all he had endured.
Arg reached one year of sobriety in January 2021 and has talked openly about his recovery in the hopes that it would hold him responsible.
That isn’t the only challenge Arg has faced in recent years; he has also engaged on a rigorous weight-loss regimen.
After his food issues became more severe during the epidemic, Arg dropped 14 stone by adopting a healthier diet and increasing his physical activity.
He also underwent a gastric sleeve procedure last year.
Speaking more about his change on GB News, Arg recalled: ‘I, kind of, didn’t really have a very solid routine and structure and I certainly utilised food to act out when I sought comfort on sentiments.
‘Lockdown for me wasn’t easy. I remember, some people really got into their exercise and they’d be doing at-home workouts, but other people really quite struggled.
‘I was one of those who struggled.’
He added that his relationship with food was ‘bad’ for a while, as he would ‘either do no exercise at all and binge eat’ or ‘starve’ himself and then ‘train three times a day.’
‘I was either morbidly obese or slim. I was constantly yo-yo-ing,’ he confessed.
‘I now have a great relationship with food and with exercise and I have got the balance right. I am proud of what I have achieved.’
Arg even felt inspired by the one and only Tyson Fury, who is a friend of his, stating: ‘Not all stories have to end in tragedy. Some people can turn things around.
‘He’s someone who struggled. He managed to turn his life around and become a World Champion. That’s the ultimate comeback story. He’s amazing.’
Worried about drugs?
Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
Adfam has local groups for families affected by drugs and alcohol and DrugFam offers phone and email support to people affected by other people’s drug or alcohol misuse.
