Yahoo News Neighbours star opens up over recovery from substance abuse
Note: This article discusses alcohol dependency.
Former Neighbours star Jodi Gordon has opened up about her recovery from substance abuse, sharing that it has brought her closer to her daughter.
The star, who played Elly Conway on the Australian soap from 2016 - 2020 before returning for guest appearances in 2022 and 2023, was admitted to a rehab clinic in 2022 for "years-long" alcohol dependency, with the actor completing a 30-day stay at the clinic.
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Gordon, who is also known for her role as Martha MacKenzie on fellow Aussie soap Home and Away, spoke with Stellar Magazine about her recovery, sharing that her relationship with her 10-year-old daughter, Aleeia, has improved as a result.
"There's just more trust in how we communicate now. [Aleeia] is so intuitive. She knows what's going on," she said (via Daily Mail). "She knows Mummy doesn't drink and she knows Mummy had to go and get some help.
"She knows life today is unbelievable and she has a mother that shows up and who's trustworthy and who's so loving. In terms of parenting, it's definitely brought us closer in a very authentic way."
Gordon, who competed on Dancing with the Stars back in 2008, has since begun working as a mental health support officer, with the star sharing that the anonymity of the role has been a "wonderful" experience.
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"Because it's a telehealth service, I'm just Jodi. I'm just having a chat, asking questions like, 'What's going on in your day? What are you struggling with?' I love the anonymity," she detailed.
"It's quite an honour to work for a company who really fights for changing the stigma around mental health. It's wonderful to work in the space of advocacy. But then [because I've] experienced, on the other hand, the discrimination and stigma, there's a lot of purpose there."
Neighbours releases new episodes from Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. In Australia, the show airs from Mondays to Thursdays at 4pm on Channel 10, with a 6.30pm repeat screening on 10 Peach Comedy.
Read more Neighbours coverage on our dedicated homepage
Alcohol Change UK offers information, advice and support with their questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Change UK's website.
Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).
Readers can also contact Drinkaware.
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