Australian actress and model Jodi Gordon marked her 39th birthday this week with an Instagram post – but it wasn’t just any Instagram post.
The former Home and Away star publicly admitted to her 227,000 followers in a lengthy reflection that she has been struggling with substance abuse for a majority of her life, and thanked her supporters for their love.
“I have battled substance abuse for the most part of my life, stepping into recovery at 24 but never being able to stay stopped,” Gordon, 39, wrote on the platform over a video of herself posing for the camera.
Watch the video above.
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“On April 7th 2022 I got sober and have stayed sober ever since, completely changing my life in ways I didn’t think were possible,” she continued.
Gordon said she completed a 30-day recovery program for alcohol addiction at a clinic in Sydney in 2022.
In 2009, the Neighbours alum faced public controversy after she called 000 regarding armed intruders at former bikie associate Mark Judge’s home, which sparked an emergency operation.
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After reviewing CCTV footage, police found there had not been any intruders in the home. Gordon later allegedly admitted she had used cocaine earlier that night.
Shortly after the incident, Gordon and her fiancé Ryan Stokes broke up.
She is now pursuing a new career in mental health, with the aim to reduce stigma and discrimination, and is studying a Bachelor of Counselling and Communication Skills.
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“I love this tough journey in a new field, working incredibly hard, working my way up fiercely, curiously, wonder and purpose every single day,” she wrote.
“The future looks so bright walking this path to become a counsellor and staying sober to share my journey. Here’s to that good fight in reducing discrimination and stigma that we all know is there.”
Gordon, who says she has found solace in writing and poetry, also reflected on her relationships in the post, revealing how her late father – who died last year – taught her “acceptance, forgiveness and unconditional love”.
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Her mother Bronwyn, meanwhile, is her “hero” and is “constantly teaching me how to use my own strength to get back up”.
Gordon also thanked her ex-husband, former NRL star Braith Anasta, for giving her the gift of their nine-year-old daughter Aleeia.
“I always wanted a big family, and I got one with my daughter Aleeia. She is unlike any human I have ever known, so loving, fierce, patient, wise, and curious,” Gordon wrote.
”I love being her teacher and student… Thank you Braith for the wonderful gift of a lifetime.”
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Gordon and Braith married in 2012, splitting in 2015. She then had a tumultuous on-off relationship with British banker Sebastian Blackler from 2020 to 2022, which was marred with apprehended violence orders and a no contact order, which expires in April.
“If you have been on this wild ride with me, thank you for seeing my colour when sometimes I have only displayed grey,” Gordon concluded her post.
“Thank you for loving me and supporting me in your owns ways. I have felt it.”
If you or someone you know would like to talk to someone confidentially about addiction, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Reach Out. In an emergency, call 000.
Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).