Hayden Panettiere talks sobriety, domestic violence and post partum depression
Hayden Panettiere opens up about her battle with addiction: “I was on top of the world. I ruined it. I'd think I hit rock bottom but then there's a trap door that opens."
Since then she underwent therapy & treatment: “I feel like I have a second chance.”https://t.co/rstjt75u5X pic.twitter.com/bMhwNUQGbd
- Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) July 6, 2022
Hayden Panettiere (32) gives a long interview with People Magazine about her struggles with addiction, domestic violence and post partum depression
• Panettiere says she was first offered opioids (doesn't name who[m?]) at 15 as "happy pills" and make her fun for interviews. OP checked her IMDb and in 2004 (when she was 15) she was doing movies and Malcolm in the Middle. Says she had no idea this wasn't normal or unhealthy, no idea it could or would live to addiction
• She had a casual use of alcohol and opiates for many years, but knew she couldn't be messy on set. So she was always sober at work, but binged when she got home (OP note - I would call this a functioning alcoholic/addict. I was the same for a long time and I use that phrase myself [13 years and going!])
• Says when her career was peaking (Heroes --> Nashville) her addiction became worse and it became a daily part of her life.
[Spoiler (click to open)]
• Her pregnancy was written into Nashville and her character struggled with substance abuse and severe post natal depression. It is unclear if anyone on set knew she was struggling irl? Says it was traumatising to act out her irl problems as a character on a tv show
• She stopped using opiods and sought treatment for her depression, but still abused alcohol to cope
• She was hospitalised with liver damage from alcohol abuse, she had developed a physical dependency on alcohol and could not stop using it
• When Nashville ended she sent her daughter to live with her ex-husband in Ukraine. She says she never wanted to hurt her daughter but she couldn't connect emotionally and had no desire to be part of her life. She knew she couldn't be the parent her daughter needed and her ex could. (She says their relationship is very good now, Kaya is 7)
• Was in a tumultuous relationship with ex Brian Hickerson for 4yr. Hickerson was reported for domestic violence more than 10x in their relationship. Hickerson served time for assault (not from his relationship with Hayden). He reached out after jail and asked for her forgiveness. She says she gave it to him. OP hopes he isn't properly involved in her life agaian.
• Says she has finally found peace and is enjoying a sober life.
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