Inside Fredrik Eklund's Struggle With Addiction
Million Dollar Listing star Fredrik Eklund is celebrating a major milestone. On March 25, the reality TV star posted on Instagram that he is 160 days sober. He also said that now that he has chosen to give up alcohol, he's realized that he has "more energy and clarity" along with things like "less stress and no anxiety." Overall, his body is feeling much better and "younger."
Eklund also confessed that before becoming sober, he was a "high-functional addict." The Vogue Recovery Center describes a high-functioning addict as someone who "may appear to be a sober" and is able to "maintain some control over their substance abuse," but that abuse will eventually catch up to them.
It took Eklund a while to realize that. According to People, Eklund also said in his Instagram caption that "the decision to stop wasn't easy" and he's still "a work in progress." But he also admitted that once he decided to make a change, it was very "freeing." It was because he was finally able to be honest with himself, and stop putting up the façade that everything was all right.
Fredrik Eklund says getting sober allowed him to have a 'Life 2.0'
Fredrik Eklund is a father of two, and he admitted that he used to question his "ability as a father" (via E! Online). Now that he's sober, that is not the case. Eklund also feels that sober life has given him more possibilities, and it's like starting a new phase in his life, which he has dubbed "Life 2.0."
The Million Dollar Listing star is not the only Bravo personality to speak out recently about their sobriety. Last summer, Lala Kent of Vanderpump Rules opened up about being almost two years sober. (via People). The reality TV star admitted that her choice was a "life-changing" one. In October, Glamour also spoke with both Kent and Braunwyn Windham-Burke of the Real Housewives of Orange County about their individual sober journeys. Windham-Burke admitted that she felt like talking about her sobriety was "the right choice," and she's "very proud" of the progress she's made.
If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).