How Jackie ‘O’ Henderson secretly flew out of Australia to check into rehab in the US without even her co-host Kyle Sandilands knowing – as she is pictured just a month before she left

How Jackie 'O' Henderson secretly flew out of Australia to check into rehab in the US without even her co-host Kyle Sandilands knowing - as she is pictured just a month before she left

As a fellow individual who has grappled with personal struggles and triumphs, I can deeply empathize with Jackie’s heartfelt story of resilience and redemption. Her journey serves as an inspiring testament to the power of friendship, self-awareness, and the courage it takes to confront one’s demons head-on.


Jackie O’ Henderson openly disclosed that she covertly traveled from Australia to receive treatment in a U.S. rehabilitation center, marking the first time she publicly discussed her struggle with addiction.

On the Kyle and Jackie O Show last Thursday, the 49-year-old radio host wept on air, revealing her personal battles with addiction that she faced towards the end of 2022.

In her forthcoming memoir titled “The Whole Truth,” she’s laid bare the heart-wrenching depths of her addiction. She recently announced this revelation in a heartfelt radio broadcast.

In conversation with Kyle Sandilands, Jackie openly shared that during the peak of her addiction, she consumed approximately 10 to 12 Stilnox/Zolpidem sleeping pills and 24 Panadeine Forte tablets daily, often while drinking alcohol.

Jackie confessed that she entered the Betty Ford Clinic in California during November 2022, choosing to take some time off from The Kyle and Jackie O Show for a while.

Initially, Kyle informed listeners that Jackie was temporarily absent due to prioritizing her health following a Covid infection. Interestingly, her struggle with addiction remained a hidden fact until recently.

53-year-old Kyle hadn’t realized the difficulties she was facing; instead, Jackie had confided in her mother, her closest friend Gemma O’Neill, and more recently, her daughter Kitty, age 13, who is shared with her ex-husband Lee Henderson.

Back in November 2022, I couldn’t help but sneakily disclose how I pulled off an undercover journey from sunny Australia all the way to glitzy Los Angeles. My destination? None other than the illustrious Betty Ford Clinic – a place that has seen the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Keith Urban. It was a thrill, an adventure, and a secret I couldn’t keep bottled up!

How Jackie 'O' Henderson secretly flew out of Australia to check into rehab in the US without even her co-host Kyle Sandilands knowing - as she is pictured just a month before she left

On-air, Jackie mentioned that her trusted companion, Gemma, joined her on the trip. They opted for a late-night flight to ensure a more secluded journey.

In her memoir, Jackie shared the travel plan she followed while concealing her addiction for over two years.

Eagerly packing my bags and counting down the minutes, I can hardly contain my excitement! I’m about to embark on a thrilling journey – hopping onto a late-night flight that boards right at the wire. The destination? A dreamland that has been calling my name for far too long. As we touch down in the small hours of the morning, I know it will be worth every moment of anticipation and every mile traveled to finally set foot in this magical realm.

We’ll retrieve our rental vehicle and steer towards Palm Springs. For the next two nights, we’ll be staying at a quaint hotel there, but that’s not where I’m ultimately heading.

Following our weekend trip to the Sonoran desert, Gemma is returning home, but I won’t be accompanying her. Instead, I’ll be setting off on my own when it’s time for her to leave.

Afterward, Jackie discretely admitted herself into the Betty Ford Clinic for a 28-day term, choosing to participate in a self-initiated 12-step plan aimed at overcoming her substance abuse issues.

At Betty Ford, situated in Rancho Mirage, the cost for a 30-day visit varies between approximately 45,000 and 90,000 Australian dollars, contingent upon the specific program.

During that period, it wasn’t generally public knowledge that she was in Betty Ford Center. Instead, she explained to her audience then that her absence was caused by a prolonged fight against COVID-19, which she later acknowledged was a type of deception by not revealing the truth.

Jackie mentioned that not a single one of her KIIS FM coworkers knew the cause for her extended absence from her radio program at that point in time, not even her close confidant Kyle.

She remembered that period: “Everyone on the team sent their best wishes, I believe they’re wondering about my short break from work, yet none of them truly understands why I’ve decided to step away.

‘But it has to be this way.’

How Jackie 'O' Henderson secretly flew out of Australia to check into rehab in the US without even her co-host Kyle Sandilands knowing - as she is pictured just a month before she left
How Jackie 'O' Henderson secretly flew out of Australia to check into rehab in the US without even her co-host Kyle Sandilands knowing - as she is pictured just a month before she left

Kyle seemed taken aback when he disclosed that he was completely unaware of her struggle with addiction, only finding out about it during their live broadcast for the very first time.

What surprises me is how firmly against drugs you are, given your non-party girl persona, you’ve never been that type,” he remarked.

It came as a surprise to me that you’re such a frequent drinker, considering you occasionally enjoy a glass of wine. I find myself rather ashamed for not realizing this about you, given our daily interactions.

‘I’m in shock, I’m in shock and feeling like a s**t friend for not realising,’ he added. 

Jackie confessed that she had been hesitant about disclosing her past battle with addiction, often weighing the pros and cons of making it public knowledge.

She admitted that she was torn inside over deciding whether to speak up or not, as she wished to avoid being seen as associated with someone labeled as a ‘past drug user.’

“I found it disappointing to conceal it, as my fear of other people’s opinions and judgments seemed like an excuse not to share my true self with them.

In about three weeks, Jackie will celebrate having been sober for two years, sharing the intense struggles she faced with drug addiction during that period.

In the thick of her struggle with addiction, Jackie was consuming approximately 10 to 12 Stilnox or Zolpidem sleeping pills, along with 24 Panadeine Forte tablets each day, even as she continued to drink alcohol.

People using Stilnox should avoid consuming alcohol because it may decrease your respiratory function and potentially make it hard for you to rouse from sleep.

Jackie mentioned that Betty Ford advised her not to alter anything concerning her pill intake prior to their departure, warning it might be harmful. Consequently, Jackie continued taking the medication on the day she departed for the U.S.

How Jackie 'O' Henderson secretly flew out of Australia to check into rehab in the US without even her co-host Kyle Sandilands knowing - as she is pictured just a month before she left
How Jackie 'O' Henderson secretly flew out of Australia to check into rehab in the US without even her co-host Kyle Sandilands knowing - as she is pictured just a month before she left

She said her struggles first began more than 15 years ago when she was prescribed a strong opioid painkiller for endometriosis – a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, causing severe pain.

She shared that she was given the medication and, during that period, she took it more frequently than required. Recognizing it could potentially be an issue, she decided to stop using it at that time.

Following her breakup with UK photographer Lee Henderson in 2018, Jackie subsequently resumed using medication.

She admitted that she returned to it as a sort of escape to find some happiness, but in reality, it was the wrong choice.

Jackie admitted to occasionally consuming some codeine and one Stilnox each evening alongside a glass of wine, describing it as a situation where she would lose consciousness.

‘You can still be awake and have no idea what’s going on,’ Jackie shared. 

‘It’s like you’re kind of functioning but you have no memory.’ 

Yet, it was the solitude at home during the Covid-19 pandemic that seemingly ignited Jackie’s addiction. She admitted to having a tough time then, feeling deeply distressed and sad.

She revealed that the amount of medication was increasing significantly, reaching an extreme level where she was taking approximately 24 Panadeine Forte tablets daily, and later averaged around 10 to 12 Stilnox pills.

It seems as though I had some guardian looking out for me, considering I can’t explain how I managed to wake up most mornings with such a high dose.

How Jackie 'O' Henderson secretly flew out of Australia to check into rehab in the US without even her co-host Kyle Sandilands knowing - as she is pictured just a month before she left
How Jackie 'O' Henderson secretly flew out of Australia to check into rehab in the US without even her co-host Kyle Sandilands knowing - as she is pictured just a month before she left
How Jackie 'O' Henderson secretly flew out of Australia to check into rehab in the US without even her co-host Kyle Sandilands knowing - as she is pictured just a month before she left

Jackie shared the instance when she recognized she had an issue, and emotionally confided in her closest friend, Gemma O’Neill. In response, Gemma encouraged her to seek treatment at a rehabilitation center, even though Jackie initially resisted – a decision that ultimately proved life-saving for her.

She remembered: ‘Things reached a critical point, and Gemma was an outstanding friend. She told me, “Jackie, I’m truly sorry, but you won’t be able to gradually withdraw from this; it just won’t work. By the end of the week, I’ll have you admitted to rehab, and we’re going together.”‘

I find it excessive, Gemma. That level of action isn’t necessary for the issue at hand. I don’t have a problem as severe as you seem to think I do, so I don’t foresee needing to seek help from Betty Ford.

‘And she said no, we’re going and we’re doing it and I thank God she did that,’ Jackie admitted.

‘Thank God there was someone out there like her because I believe she saved my life.’

In the days leading up to Jackie making her announcement, Kyle had already discussed Jackie’s unexplained two-month hiatus from their KIIS FM radio program in November 2022.

Without realizing Jackie was fighting an addiction, Kylie playfully suggested last week that Jackie had gone on a break to enhance her looks, alluding to her recent weight loss.

The radio hosts engaged Abbie Chatfield in a live discussion, focusing on the derogatory remarks about ‘slut-shaming’ that Kyle made while Jackie was absent, over the airwaves.

Kyle remarked, “If Jackie hadn’t been preoccupied with her self-image, this wouldn’t have taken place.

Initially, Jackie disclosed that she was leaving her KIIS radio program due to health concerns, however, she’s since shared that she was actually seeking treatment at the Betty Ford Center.

Hey there! Ever since I’ve caught COVID-19 a few months back, Jackie, my beloved idol, has been struggling with her health on air. She confessed that she wasn’t feeling well at all, and what she truly needed was some good old-fashioned rest to get better.

She mentioned that she hasn’t been feeling great since she contracted Covid… She’s been battling tiredness,” she shared with the audience.

‘I just have to take some time off,’ she added. ‘I’m ending the show today. As in now.’

She assured the audience that she was not in a life-threatening condition and explained that her doctor had warned her if she continued as she was, her health would deteriorate significantly. She added that she had heeded his advice.

How Jackie 'O' Henderson secretly flew out of Australia to check into rehab in the US without even her co-host Kyle Sandilands knowing - as she is pictured just a month before she left

She later opened up about the poor state of her mental and physical health. 

In January 2023, she shared with News.com.au that it proved challenging for her to take some time away. Initially, she persisted, but looking back, she wishes she had done so sooner.

I simply couldn’t go on any longer. It’s great that I prioritized my wellness; I feel incredibly improved as a result.

In my own words, embarking on a lush, tropical getaway in Fiji alongside my cherished daughter Kitty last year, I found myself establishing a balanced diet and restful sleep schedule. This newfound lifestyle proved incredibly beneficial upon my return to work in January 2023.

She began exploring various forms of physical activities, such as tennis and aquatic aerobics. She finds it incredibly effective because it engages all the muscles throughout your entire body, she shared.

Jackie emphasized the significance of understanding personal boundaries, and ensuring rest is taken when necessary to avoid potential exhaustion or burnout.

No matter where you stand now, I assure you will gain more self-confidence as you embark on your journey toward adopting a healthier lifestyle.

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2024-10-24 03:56

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