**Love Island Star Austin Shepard Shares Sobriety Journey Following Rehab Stay**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/austin-shepard-love-island-season-7-031226-3-f88483534e3a4ffab5ea5228fb57b240.jpg)
Austin Shepard, a familiar face from the seventh season of Love Island, has publicly shared his journey towards sobriety, revealing he has been 11 days clean as of Monday, March 9. This announcement was made during an interview on TMZ’s Previously On… podcast, where he talked about his recent struggles with addiction and the subsequent rehabilitation he underwent.
Shepard opened up about his battle with opioid addiction, which he has been grappling with over an extended period. His challenges escalated while filming Love Island: Beyond the Villa, leading to a relapse that he attempted to hide from the show’s producers. In his candid conversation, Shepard made it clear that he recognised the gravity of his situation, stating, “I know how this road goes, okay? I’ve had plenty of friends that are not here today that have sadly passed from [addiction]. It’s either death or a long life of misery.”
Initially, Shepard tried to manage his addiction on his own. However, he ultimately realised that he had reached a point where self-help was no longer viable. In a moment of desperation, feeling “very sick” after four sleepless nights, he resorted to searching online for medical assistance. This led him to Haven Detox, where he sought the help he desperately needed.
His first night at the rehabilitation facility proved to be extremely challenging. Shepard recalled experiencing a seizure that necessitated emergency medical intervention. He spent a total of ten days at Haven Detox, where he received support and care during his withdrawal process. Reflecting on his experience, he expressed gratitude, stating, “They really took care of me there.”
On the day of the podcast interview, Shepard was enjoying a moment with his father, who had been a constant source of support throughout his recovery. With a smile, he noted how reassuring it was to have his father by his side, especially in the early days of his sobriety. “It’s nice to have some support, family support, especially so fresh after it,” he added.
Despite his struggles, Shepard managed to keep his addiction a secret from his fellow cast members during the production of Beyond the Villa. He described himself as a “pretty manipulative, functional addict,” able to conceal his issues until they became overwhelming. However, about a month prior to his interview, some of his former Love Island co-stars, including Charlie Georgiou, TJ Palma, and Iris Kendall, reached out with concern, prompting Shepard to open up about his situation.
“Charlie started reaching out and was like, ‘Bro what’s going on?’ I just got pretty real with him,” Shepard shared, expressing gratitude for the support from his friends during this difficult time. “He’s been wishing me love, giving me love. Same with TJ, Iris. They’ve been sending me love.”
Looking ahead, Shepard is aware that his journey to sobriety will be fraught with challenges, but he remains hopeful. Acknowledging the importance of a reliable support system, he expressed his appreciation for the friends and family who are standing by him. “Man, I have such a great support system,” he remarked, highlighting the positive influence of his loved ones.
Shepard’s story serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles many face regarding addiction and the critical importance of seeking help. For anyone experiencing similar challenges, resources such as the SAMHSA helpline are available to provide support and guidance.
His story continues to shed light on the often-hidden nature of addiction, revealing that even those who seem to have it all can face difficult battles behind the scenes. As he embarks on this new chapter in his life, Austin Shepard stands as a testament to resilience and recovery, with hope for a healthier future ahead.