Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo has revealed she sought professional help earlier this year, checking herself into rehab due to fears of a relapse after eight years of sobriety. The 40-year-old singer shared her experience, noting that exhaustion, anxiety, and the pressures following the birth of her second child in March acted as catalysts for her struggles.
DeAraugo described reaching a "terrifying crossroads" in her recovery. "This is all a bit scary for me to talk about," she told The Daily Telegraph. "But I am talking because I know my story isn't unique and in sharing it, hopefully others will feel less alone."
She explained that the lack of sleep with her newborn son, combined with what she suspects was postpartum depression and "a whole lot of ego," contributed to her unraveling. While not immediately returning to illicit substances, DeAraugo found herself considering alcohol as a coping mechanism and even gambling at "the pokies" one morning. This realization prompted her to confront the extent of her struggles.
DeAraugo has previously been open about her past battles with addiction, particularly to methamphetamine, influenced by the pressures of the music industry and insecurities. However, she emphasized that her recent struggles were triggered by a different set of circumstances.
"In this space and being out in front of people, talking on hard things like mental health and addiction, it can be really easy to get stuck in this rut of thinking that you have to present like you're okay all the time," DeAraugo stated. "And I can't let people see that I'm not, because that's not recovery. I'd created this internal dialogue that I had to present like I had it all together... and I just didn't, I was just really struggling."
Shame and the pervasive nature of social media exacerbated her anxiety, which became crippling. After several months of difficulty, DeAraugo recognized the need for external support, eventually admitting, "I'm in big trouble here."
Following her time in rehab, DeAraugo described feeling "totally recalibrated" and grounded, similar to her early days of recovery. She is now prioritizing self-care and the fundamental practices that have maintained her sobriety.
DeAraugo's initial journey to sobriety began after a 2017 arrest for drug possession and weapons offenses, which led to her entering a long-term rehabilitation program. She has since been celebrating years of abstinence.