Michelle Heaton has criticised the news that government officials are looking to clamp down on drug use, following her own struggles with addiction.
On Tuesday, Liberty X’s 42-year-old star posted a collection of pictures from the peak of her addiction to drugs on Instagram. She also wrote a lengthy caption about how she tackled substance abuse.
Her post came just hours after Boris Johnson warned middle class drug users he will not sit ‘idly by’ and let them fund crime as he unveiled a £300million narcotics blitz – a scheme slammed by Michelle, who called for better education on the matter.
Shock: Michelle Heaton has hit out at news that the government are planning to crack down on drug users, in the wake of her own addiction battles
Michelle was 32 weeks sober when she first declared that she wanted treatment for her addiction to drugs and alcohol. Michelle binged every night.
She posted three images Tuesday showing the effects of her addiction. Two of them showed her looking groggy and one had her bloodshot. The other image was of her smiling and happy.
She explained that the caption was in response to government crackdowns and said: “Harsher punishments won’t stop real addicts, but it will make us more manipulative in the pursuit of our addictions.”
As part of a dawn raid by police, the PM warned that recreational users could be stripped their passports or driving licenses.
Backlash: Her post came just hours after Boris Johnson warned middle class drug users he will not sit ‘idly by’ and let them fund crime as he unveiled a £300million narcotics blitz – a scheme slammed by Michelle, who called for better education on the matter
Pained: Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the Liberty X star, 42, who has been candid about her three year drink and drug hell, shared a series of snaps from the height of her battle and penned a lengthy caption about tackling substance abuse
If their numbers are discovered on dealer’s phones, they could also be subject to text messages from the police. Michelle will then reprimand them.
Michelle wrote in her impassioned message: ‘I wanted to wait till I had the facts before I wrote this and I was am armed with the facts of today’s announcement on the government’s plans to tackle addiction…
I welcome all efforts of governments to solve this crisis that has too many families. Amazing work is being done to address the addictions and assist those who are suppliers. I’m so pleased to hear of the extra treatment places, they are sorely needed…
Michelle wrote a lengthy caption about the government plans.
‘I’ll be honest – I didn’t have the money to get help, friends and family lent me that and I possibly wouldn’t be here now had they not as I needed the treatment within days. I’m hoping I’ll hear the word education lots in the coming days…
It is important to have early education at schools. This is something I feel passionately about. This is a disease that does not discriminate. Both people living in poverty and those with more money are affected.
“Once we become addicted, there is no stopping us from getting the next fix or hit!” No matter what that might be. Unfortunately, harsher punishments won’t stop real addicts !…. It will only drive us to be even more manipulative with our addictions.
‘It’s a disease of the mind and the body. It is important to focus on removing it from our lives before it takes hold of us. What is the first sign of addiction? “Brought up that way” “Followed parents” “Had no choice” “Bad relationships” The list is endless…
‘It’s NOT a middle class problem it’s a you and me problem. It’s the kid who never fit in, it’s the wife at home bored. It does not discriminate…
Radiant: The woman was showing her progress in recovery
“There is no universal poster child for this. The solution is not in the end, as punishment ignores what it takes to fix it. More information, education and help are needed! A grateful recovering addict
‘Michelle Heaton, age 42 no bad upbringing didn’t grow up in poverty & certainly no middle class issues and never set out to be an addict…
“I almost died before I realized what an addict was.” Had you given me a warning or called me up and fined me when I was in the madness I wouldn’t have stopped…
“Information, meetings, and the 12-step program got me sober!” You know what else? It’s free! It’s free!
Talktofrank.com offers advice on alcohol and drugs.
Sweet: In a sweet snap, she co-sied up with her family