Austin Shepard's Sobriety Journey: 11 Days Sober

0:00It's March 12, here's your entertainment news in two minutes. Austin Sheppard, the Love Island season 7 star, opened up about a sobriety journey on TMZ's podcast earlier this week. He revealed he was 11 days sober after checking into rehab for opioid addiction. Sheppard had relapsed while filming the show's spin-off, Beyond the Villa, and kept it hidden from the production team. He knew the risks all too well, having lost friends to addiction. Sheppard tried handling it alone at first, but after four sleepless nights feeling extremely sick, he searched online for a medical detox nearby, and chose Haven Detox. That decision came just in time. His first night there was rough. He suffered a seizure and needed emergency care, but the staff took great care of him during his 10-day stay. Sheppard shared how different he looked and felt compared to his first day, calling it night and day. Now, out of rehab, he's spending his first full day with his dad, who has been checking on him constantly.

1:00Family support means everything this early on. Castmates like Charlie Georgeu, TJ Palma, and Iris Kendall have also reached out with encouragement. Sheppard feels grateful for his strong support system, as he faces the challenges ahead. If you or someone you know needs help with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-806-62-HELP. Thanks to our sponsor for supporting today's coverage. If Sleep Podcasts are your thing, this is your pillow. Feel for comfort and calm, S-O-L-L-I-SoliPillow.com