Paris Jackson shares before and after video with details of drug and alcohol addiction after five years of sobriety

Paris Jackson has shared a before and after video of her experience battling drug and alcohol addiction in celebration of five years of sobriety.

• READ MORE: Paris Jackson – ‘Wilted’ review: inconsistent but, at times, excellent

The musician and daughter of the late Michael Jackson posted the video to her official Instagram account yesterday (January 7). The video begins with clips of her while seemingly under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Then, a photo slideshow of her sobriety journey is shown alongside clips of her looking healthier, dancing, performing, and being surrounded by friends and pets.

“To those that helped me on this journey, if only for just the beginning, middle or the whole time so far, you know who you are and I owe you my life. Thank you. 5 years, Thank god,” read the note that ended the video.

The caption of Jackson’s post read: “Hi, I’m pk and I’m an alcoholic and a heroin addict. Today marks 5 years clean & sober from all drugs and alcohol. to say that I’m thankful would be a poor euphemism. Gratitude hardly scratches the surface. It’s because I’m sober that I get to smile today.

“I get to make music. I get to experience the joy of loving my dogs and cat. I get to feel heartbreak in all its glory. I get to grieve. I get to laugh. I get to dance. I get to trust. I feel the sun on my skin and it’s warm. I’ve found that life keeps happening regardless of whether I’m sober or not, but today I get to show up for it. here’s a little snapshot of what has been possible because of my sobriety, and my god I can’t believe I almost missed it all. thanks 1 • 7 • 20”

The model and musician received praise from various colleagues in the comments section with her aunt – and Michael’s older sister – La Toya Jackson writing: “Congratulations, Paris. I’m so, so proud of you and your growth, strength and accomplishments,” and applauded Paris’ efforts at “helping others that are going through this.”

Paris Hilton also chimed in and wrote: “So proud of you sis,” while actress Lucy Hale shared: “You’re amazing amazing amazing.”

Paris’ father, Michael Jackson died in Los Angeles in 2009 of acute propofol intoxication. His death was ruled as a homicide by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. He had been administered propofol and anti-anxiety benzodiazepines lorazepam and midazolam by his personal physician, Conrad Murray. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in November 2011.

Elsewhere, Paris released her debut album ‘Wilted’ back in 2020. Last year, the musician opened up about her upcoming music, and said that the personal topics she explores in the lyrics may be “hard for some people to hear”.

While appearing as a guest on the Live From Bed podcast, Paris shared: “I mean, is some of it going to be hard for some people to hear? For sure, yeah, because what I’m talking about is a lot of touchy things,” she explained to host Jade Iovine. “Some people might have a hard time.”

She has previously opened up about her past suicide attempts, telling Willow Smith during an episode of her Red Table Talk Facebook Watch show, “A lot of people do feel regret when they try and attempt suicide. There have been times where I did and times where I didn’t, where I was upset that it didn’t work.”

She continued: “But I can say, several years later, that I’m really grateful that it didn’t. Things have gotten better.”

In a three-star review of ‘Wilted’, NME shared that the LP “feels caught between the twee folksy pop of Paris Jackson’s previous releases with The Soundflowers and the bewildering alt-rock icon she may become.

“As a musical introduction, it’s enthralling, inconsistent and, at times, excellent. Ultimately, this is a glimpse of the artist that Jackson could be.”