Doctor weighs in on Jackie ‘O’ Henderson’s ‘extreme’ drug addiction which saw her take more than 30 tablets per day

Doctor weighs in on Jackie 'O' Henderson's 'extreme' drug addiction which saw her take more than 30 tablets per day

As a compassionate observer, it is heart-wrenching to witness Jackie’s courageous struggle with addiction. Her story is a poignant reminder of how insidious and powerful substance abuse can be, even for someone who seems to have it all together on the surface.


An Australian doctor has weighed in after radio host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson admitted to a secret drug and alcohol addiction this week.

For the initial time, the 49-year-old radio host openly discussed her prolonged struggle with drug addiction, a battle that led her to attend rehabilitation secretly at The Betty Ford Clinic in November of 2022.

In the depths of my struggle with substance abuse, I confess that I would consume approximately 10 to 12 Stilnox or Ambien sleeping pills, along with 24 Panadeine Forte painkillers, every day, often through tears on camera.

Even though it’s advised against due to potentially harmful results, she admitted that she often consumes alcohol while taking those pills.

Currently, Dr. Zac Turner, an expert in preventative healthcare and wellness, has shared his professional perspective, emphasizing that these medications can potentially become quite habit-forming.

In conversation with News Corp, he pointed out that although Jackie’s situation may seem ‘exceptional’, her consumption likely escalated due to the development of a tolerance over several years.

As a fervent admirer, let me share some insights I picked up: Misusing those particular meds can lead to developing a resistance to them. What’s more, they have a high potential for addiction, a point I was recently made aware of by Dr Turner, who, it’s important to note, is not Jackie’s healthcare provider.

Many patients I’ve encountered have faced significant challenges with such addiction issues, often starting innocently enough, like “I just need rest, I’ll take this pill.

Doctor weighs in on Jackie 'O' Henderson's 'extreme' drug addiction which saw her take more than 30 tablets per day

Doctor weighs in on Jackie 'O' Henderson's 'extreme' drug addiction which saw her take more than 30 tablets per day

Many individuals assume that if you’ve passed out due to alcohol or drugs, you’re simply sleeping deeply. However, in reality, such a state significantly minimizes the restorative, rejuvenating aspects of genuine sleep.

Dr. Turner suggested that Jackie may have resorted to sleep medication because of her prolonged habit of early mornings, implying that individuals tend to make more ‘hazardous’ decisions when they are sleep-deprived.

As Dr. Turner applauded Jackie’s efforts in overcoming her addiction, he also emphasized the importance of her ongoing collaboration with healthcare experts to address any potential long-term complications.

He mentioned that it’s important to take numerous steps to improve both your synaptic and vascular health, as this will aid in the recovery of various functions within your body.

On Thursday, I shared my heartfelt confession about my struggle with substance abuse – specifically drugs and alcohol – during our conversation on the KIIS FM radio show, alongside my trusted co-host, Kyle Sandilands.

For over two years, she managed to conceal her battle with addiction, keeping it hidden not only from Kyle but also from her coworkers at KIIS FM.

Jackie disclosed that she sought treatment at the Betty Ford Clinic in California back in November 2022, during her lengthy absence from The Kyle and Jackie O Show.

Doctor weighs in on Jackie 'O' Henderson's 'extreme' drug addiction which saw her take more than 30 tablets per day
Doctor weighs in on Jackie 'O' Henderson's 'extreme' drug addiction which saw her take more than 30 tablets per day

In those moments, I, as a devoted admirer, heard Kyle announce that Jackie was temporarily stepping back to prioritize her well-being following her battle with Covid.

Instead, she was discreetly transported out of Australia for a 28-day treatment at a renowned rehabilitation center, battling addictions to painkillers, sleeping pills, and alcohol.

Betty Ford is renowned for catering to celebrities such as Keith Urban, Robert Downey Jr., and Lindsay Lohan. The cost for a 30-day stay at this facility ranges from approximately $45,000 AUD to $90,000 AUD, with the price varying based on the specific program being offered.

Prior to publishing her revealing memoir titled “The Whole Truth,” Jackie wept openly as she publicly shared, for the first time, the traumatic depths of her struggle with addiction.

She confided that she had been hesitant to share this with others and speak openly about it, fearing that people might view her differently or perhaps not as fondly, as she revealed to the audience.

‘I was in a really, really dark place.’

She explained, choking back tears, “That’s how an addiction affects your mind; it alters your thought patterns and makes it difficult for you to seek help. It’s incredibly strong.

‘It takes a rock bottom moment to cut yourself off.’

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. 

For a quarter of a century, I shared the airwaves with my partner Kyle Sandilands, yet he remained unaware of my ongoing struggle with addiction.

She mentioned that she was given this medication, but discovered she was taking it excessively. She realized it could potentially be an issue, so she decided to stop using it at that point.

After splitting from UK photographer Lee in 2018, Jackie resumed taking her medication once again, a decision made following their separation. They share a daughter named Kitty, aged 13.

Jackie mentioned that she occasionally took some codeine and one Stilnox each evening accompanied by a glass of wine, which she referred to as experiencing a state where she loses consciousness or memory.

It was during the Covid-19 pandemic, with Jackie having to isolate at home, that her devastating addiction truly began. At this time, she expressed feelings of struggle and deep sadness.

Doctor weighs in on Jackie 'O' Henderson's 'extreme' drug addiction which saw her take more than 30 tablets per day

When Jackie openly shared something from her heart, Kyle was taken aback as he confessed he had been unaware of his fellow host’s hidden truth.

He remarked, “It’s surprising how strongly against drugs you are. You’ve never been the type who enjoys wild parties, and that’s something I hadn’t expected from you.

Truthfully, Kyle expressed his feelings of shame when he realized he had missed the indications of Jackie’s struggle with addiction.

He mentioned, “I wasn’t aware you consumed a lot of alcohol, I knew you enjoyed a glass of wine occasionally. It makes me feel ashamed to realize I’ve been sitting here daily without ever noticing this about you.

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

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2024-10-26 07:19

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