Mastectomy Triggered Alcoholism Battle for Liberty X Star

In November 2025, former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton, now 46 years old, is opening up about her past struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. Heaton explains that the journey towards her alcoholism began after she underwent a mastectomy to prevent a cancer gene when her daughter Faith was just 6 weeks old. The inability to breastfeed her son AJ, who was later hospitalized with meningitis, triggered postpartum depression and Heaton's gradual descent into alcoholism.

For 2 years, Heaton hid her addiction, getting alcohol delivered to her home and sneaking vodka in water bottles. She would even bring wine to the park and vodka to the cinema during family outings. Heaton's husband, manager, and friends staged an intervention 2 years before she finally sought help, but she was able to talk her way out of it.

However, Heaton's addiction eventually led to pancreas and liver issues, and she realized she needed professional help. 4 years ago, she spent 28 days in The Priory Clinic, which successfully ended her addictions. Now, Heaton's 11-year-old son AJ helps her avoid the alcohol aisle at the supermarket, demonstrating the crucial role her family has played in her recovery.