Michelle Heaton shares ‘before and after’ pictures to celebrate 20 weeks of sobriety

Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton shared a shocking before and after picture as she candidly wrote about her battle with alcoholism.

She shared the picture with her 284,000 Instagram followers and wrote: “This picture is not to shock, it was my reality!”

The 42-year-old said that 20 weeks ago she was “ruined” and her “immune system was shutting down.” Now, she is “saved”, and “strong, happy, healthy.”

Heaton posted the images as part of National Sober Day and National Recovery month and shared that she is now “stronger mentally and physically better than I’ve ever been”.

She continued: “Success is more likely when systems are paved with an aware, loving, and honest cheering section.

“If we stumble, aren’t we more likely to get back up again when we have a solid support system?

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“Encouragement of one day fuels more support and awareness, leading to long-term sobriety. That’s something worth celebrating! The opposite of addiction is a connection.

“Recognising this provides a model for future generations who will be my picture one! And then the second picture demonstrates how to enjoy life alcohol-free, the day will embolden future generations to say no to alcohol.”

She also shared how those struggling with addiction can get help by linking to Alcoholics Anonymous and the NHS drug addiction webpage.

She added: “For anyone who needs help with addiction, there is help out there.”

Katie Price reposted Heaton’s pictures to her own Instagram page along with a heartfelt message.

“This is a picture of before and after of my incredible strong best longest loyal friend ever,” Price wrote.

Price added that asking for help can be the hardest step to take and added: “Everyone can suffer mental health, never be afraid to talk and ask for help.”

Heaton previously shared her progress on Instagram five weeks ago as she celebrated 100 days of sobriety.

The first image was taken the morning she went into rehab, alongside a more recent photo where she looked much healthier and happier.

In the caption, she wrote: “I hate to preach .. but here I go! I’m preaching to the still suffering addict. You are not alone, you are me, I was you!

“If you are in pain if you are controlled and have became powerless to this disease only YOU can label yourself! Admitting you need or want help is the first and hardest step. Let’s beat this! One day at a time. Not for tomorrow, just for today! Help is out there.” [sic]