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Ulrika Jonsson, 57, reveals she used alcohol to ‘remember the good times’ and would often ‘black out’ after binge drinking alone as she celebrates being 121 days sober

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Ulrika Jonsson, 57, reveals she used alcohol to 'remember the good times' and would often 'black out' after binge drinking alone as she celebrates being 121 days sober

As a dedicated follower, I deeply empathize with Ulrika Jonsson’s struggles with alcohol and her courage to share her story. Having followed her career since the Gladiators days, it’s heartbreaking to see such a vibrant and talented individual grapple with this invisible enemy.

Ulrika Jonsson has shared that she previously relied on alcohol as a means to recall pleasant memories, and frequently lost consciousness following solo binge-drinking sessions.

The broadcaster, 57, who recently celebrated being 121 days sober, was one of TV’s most recognised faces and hosted Gladiators and The Eurovision Song Contest during the height of her fame.  

Expressing Myself to the Sun: ‘[Alcohol] helped me suppress my rage. There were numerous aspects about the world that made me furious. I’d often consume alcohol to recall the joyful moments and to momentarily escape from the current hardships.’

Ulrika clarified that, despite using alcohol to suppress her feelings of anxiety, she actually fell into the category of a ‘regular heavy drinker who functions well,’ as she neither vomited nor presented herself in a disordered manner.

However, I found that the frequency of instances where I’d lose consciousness and not remember the previous night after drinking alone was on the rise.

Ulrika Jonsson, 57, reveals she used alcohol to 'remember the good times' and would often 'black out' after binge drinking alone as she celebrates being 121 days sober

Ulrika Jonsson, 57, reveals she used alcohol to 'remember the good times' and would often 'black out' after binge drinking alone as she celebrates being 121 days sober
Ulrika Jonsson, 57, reveals she used alcohol to 'remember the good times' and would often 'black out' after binge drinking alone as she celebrates being 121 days sober

Instead of using alcohol as an escape from troubles, I found solace in it. When under the influence, I believed I transformed into a kinder, more capable individual able to handle difficulties better. However, the reality was quite different. Alcohol actually amplified my anxiety, leading me to resort to drinking as a means of relief. This brief respite would be followed by an even stronger return of my anxiety.

Ulrika remembered that her friend called her up one morning, sharing that they had a conversation the previous night. During this conversation, the popular TV personality was so intoxicated that she didn’t make much sense.

In her conversation after the chat, the renowned Swede broke down in tears, expressing herself like a distraught child. As she came to terms with the reality, she felt overwhelming despair upon recognizing that she had been trapped in a harmful relationship with alcohol.

In simpler terms, heavy episodic drinking means having 7.5 standard drinks, which is about 60 grams of alcohol, during a single day within the last month.

Consuming alcohol would be roughly equivalent to downing approximately four and a half standard pints of moderate beer, five small portions of wine, or close to eight individual shots of gin and tonic all at once.

During Christmas in December, Ulrika shared honestly about her current single status and confessed that she finds it challenging to maintain a jovial family facade during the holiday celebrations.

In a piece for Fabulous Magazine, the model expressed her feelings of sadness and lack of excitement about Christmas this year, which she referred to as her “Christmas melancholy.

She admitted, “On top of my already miserable Christmas, I’m still single, and it feels like I’m as far away as possible from having a romantic kiss under the mistletoe this year.

Ulrika Jonsson, 57, reveals she used alcohol to 'remember the good times' and would often 'black out' after binge drinking alone as she celebrates being 121 days sober
Ulrika Jonsson, 57, reveals she used alcohol to 'remember the good times' and would often 'black out' after binge drinking alone as she celebrates being 121 days sober
Ulrika Jonsson, 57, reveals she used alcohol to 'remember the good times' and would often 'black out' after binge drinking alone as she celebrates being 121 days sober

Since her 2019 divorce from her third husband, Brian Monet, Ulrika has remained unmarried. She and Brian share a 15-year-old son named Malcolm. After being together for ten years, they decided to separate.

Her first marriage to cameraman John Turnbull was in 1990 and they have a son, Cameron, 29.

In 2003, the presenter got married for the second time, to Lance Gerrard-Wright, who happened to be a participant on her television series called “Mr Right” at that time. Their daughter, Martha, is now 19 years old.

Apart from having four children, the woman is additionally a mother to a 23-year-old daughter named Bo. This daughter was born during her relationship with former hotelier, Marcus Kempen. Their separation occurred in the year 2000, marking the end of their two-year romance.

If you’re dealing with alcohol issues, reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous for assistance. You can call them at 0800 917 7650 or send an email to their helpline at help@aamail.org.

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2024-10-05 01:33

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