Love Island's Austin Shepard: Sobriety Journey

0:00This is Corey, keeping you tapped into pop culture. You're listening to Entertainment and Celebrity News today. Austin Shepard from Love Island Season 7 is sharing his sobriety story. The reality star told TMZ he was 11 days sober after checking into rehab for opioid addiction. He relapsed while filming the spin-off show Beyond the Villa, but kept it hidden from the production team. Earlier this week on the podcast, Shepard explained he tried handling the addiction on his own at first. He knew the risks from losing friends to overdoses and feared a life of misery or worse. But after four sleepless nights feeling extremely sick, he realized he needed professional help right away. He searched online for medical detox nearby and ended up at Haven detox. His first night there was rough with a seizure that needed emergency care. He stayed for a total of 10 days and praised the staff for their support. Now out of rehab, Shepard spent his first full day with his father, who checked on him constantly.

1:00Family means a lot to him this early in recovery. Friends from the show, like Charlie Georgeu, TJ Palma, and Iris Kendall, have reached out with encouragement too. Shepard feels grateful for his strong support system as he tackles the road ahead. If you need help with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA helpline at 1-806-624-357. This V&N story is thanks to our sponsor details in the description. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds, built for listening in bed. S-O-L-L-I-SOLY-PILLOW.COM