Jessica Simpson has reminded fans of an "unrecognisable" version of herself, having shared a photo from the apparent moment that she decided to stop drinking alcohol in 2017.
The singer, 43, has spoken in recent years about previously having an "unhealthy relationship" with alcohol prior to her sobriety. This included discussion about her experiences in her memoir Open Book, which was released back in 2020.
The following year, Jessica uploaded a photo of herself to her Instagram page and wrote about her pursuit of sobriety alongside it. She has now shared the post on her Instagram Story, celebrating six years since she made the decision.
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Jessica - who's previously spoken about having wanted to be sober so that she can be "present" and a "role model" for her three children - shared the post on her Instagram Story on Thursday. She wrote alongside it: "6 years ago."
Jessica Simpson fans voice concern as she wears 8th grade cheerleader jacketThe post dates back to 2021 and includes a photo of her in a pink outfit. Jessica wrote at the time: "This person in the early morning of Nov 1, 2017 is an unrecognizable version of myself. I had so much self discovery to unlock and explore."
She further commented: "I knew in this very moment I would allow myself to take back my light, show victory over my internal battle of self respect, and brave this world with piercing clarity. Personally, to do this I needed to stop drinking alcohol because it kept my mind and heart circling in the same direction and quite honestly I was exhausted.
"I wanted to feel the pain so I could carry it like a badge of honor. I wanted to live as a leader does and break cycles to advance forward- never looking back with regret and remorse over any choice I have made and would make for the rest of my time here within this beautiful world."
Jessica continued by writing in the caption at the time: "I can't believe it has been 4yrs! It feels like maybe 2. I think that is a good thing. Ha. There is so much stigma around the word alcoholism or the label of an alcoholic."
"The real work that needed to be done in my life was to actually accept failure, pain, brokenness, and self sabotage. The drinking wasn’t the issue. I was. I didn’t love myself. I didn’t respect my own power. Today I do," the actor added.
She concluded by telling her followers: "I have made nice with the fears and I have accepted the parts of my life that are just sad. I own my personal power with soulful courage. I am wildly honest and comfortably open. I am free."
The post has attracted renewed praise after Jessica shared it again on her Instagram Story. One person commented this week: "I'm so so so proud of you." Someone else said: "So proud of you. I needed to read this at just this moment."
A third person said: "This is so amazing. So happy for you and proud of you. It is no easy battle and you overcame and conquered it." Another person wrote in the comments section this week: "Thank you for courageously sharing your journey. You don't know how many people you've helped."
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at alcoholchange.org.uk