Ant McPartlin’s Road to Recovery
For decades, Ant McPartlin was a fixture on our TV screens almost every weekend of the year, beaming next to his presenting partner, Declan Donnelly. Famous for their Saturday night entertainment and his unbreakable bond with Dec, they enjoyed widespread success and adoration from global fans. He was at the height of his career. Behind the scenes, a different story was playing out – a story of escalating painkiller and alcohol addiction that led to a rapid downfall in the public eye.
At New Leaf Recovery, we believe that there is power in second chances and strength in the transformative nature of recovery. As we dive into Ant’s addiction story, it is key to remember that in addiction, you are not alone. Help and support are out there & finding a way towards a better future is possible.
The Beloved TV Duo: Ant & Dec
Ant and his inseparable friend Dec started their TV journey in Byker Grove and child stars, rapidly becoming a successful duo in other TV gigs for presenting & hosting. Their quick wit and unbreakable bond led them down a pathway of taking over mainstream and Saturday night TV entertainment, including SMTV Live, Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Britain’s Got Talent, and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!
Over their decades of working with ITV, they have become multi-award winners and have secured their place at the heart of British TV as national treasures. Millions of viewers tuned in to their TV shows, finding joy and laughter week in, week out. Their many successes and unwavering popularity presented an image of a trouble-free lifestyle in the glow of public affection.
Sadly, in 2018, a car crash led to Ant’s spotlight downfall and admission to rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction.
The Impact of Addiction & Fall From TV Spotlight
Addiction is not discriminatory and can affect anyone, no matter their background or lifestyle.
In 2018, following a car accident and drink-driving charge, Ant McPartlin disappeared from TV and the public spotlight. It was during this time that the cracks of his glowing TV persona began to show. His global fans discovered his struggles with health, which led to addiction.
Having been prescribed prescription drugs for a knee injury in 2014 and an unsuccessful surgery a year later, Ant openly admits that he was not fully aware of the dangers these drugs can cause when not taken correctly. He was quickly addicted to tramadol, used to alleviate pain caused by injuries. Not only this, but he was struggling with alcohol at this time too, mixing the substances together, which led to hallucinations, depression and relationship strain with his wife at the time.
When his blood alcohol levels were tested following the road traffic accident in 2018, he was found to be twice over the legal limit. He was fined a substantial amount and banned from driving for 20 months following the crash that led to a young girl needing hospitalisation.
The Addiction Recovery Journey
Following the accident that was so prominent in the public eye, Ant McPartlin disappeared from TV completely for almost 12 months. He admitted himself into rehabilitation the day after the car accident, accepting that he had been struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
With the full support of ITV and his co-star Dec, he was able to spend time in rehabilitation, working on overcoming his addiction struggles. When Ant was next seen in public walking his dog, he looked to have transformed himself completely, finding a healthier way forward in life. Since leaving rehab, he has said that he found himself completely clean of all drugs, aside from paracetamol, for the first time in 3 years.
Following his return to TV, Ant and Dec have both spoken openly about the impact of Ant’s addiction and rehab on their relationship. Ant has stated that rehab saved his life, and the support that he received during this time was vital to his progress. He has spoken about working on improving his mental health and relationships during this time, working on finding a way towards a better future.
Repairing Relationships Post-Rehabilitation
Following rehab, both Ant and Dec have spoken about the impact that this downfall had on their relationship and their shared TV career.
Dec, Ant’s best friend and inseparable TV partner since they were 13 years old, has spoken about his hurt and anger initially following Ant’s mental health struggles and addiction recovery journey. Ant, having heard this, openly admits that he let his best friend down, and his best friend’s family down in not being open about his struggles beforehand. For the first time in decades, this was a time when Dec had to think about work without his beloved TV partner, and he admits this filled him with fear.
Ant has worked hard on repairing these relationships with his loved ones, understanding the importance of speaking to them about his struggles and finding strength in those bonds. Dec has spoken about how his anger rapidly turned to love and compassion for his long-time friend, and how he would have given up anything to have his friend’s happiness once again.
At New Leaf Recovery, we firmly believe that relationships are key to your recovery. When struggling with addiction, relationships can come under strain and often begin to break down. We work with all clients to find ways of repairing the relationships that are important to them, giving them a support network that is encouraging and works with them to maintain recovery.
The Importance of Addiction Rehabilitation with New Leaf Recovery
Having been into rehabilitation and experienced the transformative nature of seeking help and support, Any McPartlin has been able to repair his relationships with his loved ones, and once again step into the spotlight with TV partner Dec.
At New Leaf Recovery, we work with all clients to help and support them in their recovery and rehabilitation. Our compassionate team has experience in detoxification and rehabilitation treatments to help clients overcome their addiction struggles and find a brighter future with long-term sobriety.
If you need support for yourself or for a loved one who may be struggling, speak to New Leaf Recovery today.
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