Millie Mackintosh, former Made in Chelsea star and social media influencer, has been a household name for years, known for her glamorous lifestyle and reality TV appearances.
But behind her picture-perfect life was a struggle with alcohol, which she candidly opens up about in her new book Bad Drunk.
Co-written with NHS GP Dr. Ellie Cannon, the book details Millie’s journey to sobriety, the challenges she faced, and how it has positively impacted both her life and her marriage.
The Turning Point: A Panic Attack and a Fresh Start
Millie, 35, rose to fame on Made in Chelsea, where her life of luxury, parties, and drama played out on screen.
However, despite her public persona, Millie faced a personal struggle with alcohol that was deeply affecting her relationships, particularly with her husband, Hugo Taylor.
After becoming a mother to their two daughters, Sienna and Aurelia, Millie’s drinking habits started to spiral, and it eventually took a toll on her marriage.
In 2022, after a hangover-induced panic attack following a boozy holiday, Millie decided she had had enough. “I said to myself: ‘Enough is enough,’” she recalls. “I felt something click into place and thought: ‘This is no longer serving me, and I’m sick of the way it’s making me feel.’” It was a pivotal moment for Millie, marking the beginning of her journey to stop drinking for good.
Healing and Repairing Relationships
Millie does not classify herself as an alcoholic but acknowledges that her problem was “alcohol misuse,” characterized by binge drinking. “Once I’ve had one drink, all bets are off,” she explains. “The only way to ensure alcohol no longer controls me is by removing it completely from my life.”
While Millie’s decision to stop drinking was crucial for her personal well-being, it also became necessary to repair her marriage with Hugo. “Once I stopped, we had to really work on our relationship in therapy,” she says. “I had to own my responsibilities and own the damage I’d caused.” Through therapy and her commitment to sobriety, Millie and Hugo have worked hard to rebuild their relationship, emerging stronger than before.
Breaking the Taboo and Sharing Her Truth
In Bad Drunk, Millie delves deep into the reasons behind her destructive drinking habits, including difficult personal experiences such as sexual assault in her teenage years. Sharing these intimate details was not easy for Millie, but she believes it was necessary to help others facing similar struggles. “I want to talk about the taboos and normalize these conversations,” she says. “It’s linked to when I started drinking heavily, and it’s been interesting to look back at what caused me to drink in a destructive way.”
For Millie, the process of letting go of shame was a freeing experience. “I carried shame for a long time, until my early 30s,” she reflects. “Finally letting that go has been freeing. This is my truth, and I’ve put it out into the world with the intention of helping others who felt how I did.”
The Benefits of Sobriety: A New Chapter
Now, with her marriage thriving and her children thriving, Millie is reaping the benefits of a sober lifestyle. “There’s just no drama,” she says with a smile, emphasizing how much calmer and more stable her life feels since she stopped drinking.
A significant part of Millie’s motivation for going sober was to be more present for her children. “Mums need more support in general,” she explains. “Reaching for a drink can feel like an act of self-care—the juggle is real. But drinking feeds into the cycle of anxiety, lack of sleep, guilt, at a time when you’re already feeling vulnerable.” Millie’s perspective on motherhood and self-care has shifted, with a focus on emotional well-being rather than using alcohol to cope.
Coping Strategies for Stress and Anxiety
As part of her journey, Millie has found new, healthier ways to manage stress. “Running is a good release for me; I listen to music and immerse myself in nature,” she shares. “I also love breathwork for anxiety, yoga, and journaling. It sounds woo-woo, but there are ways to alter your mental state that you can do anywhere.”
Millie also avoids situations where alcohol may be a temptation, such as weddings or parties with heavy drinking. “Hugo still drinks, but in a very different way to me,” she says. “I never expected him to stop because his drinking wasn’t an issue. But if I’m around drunk people at a wedding or party, I leave.”
Moving Forward with a Stronger Foundation
Millie’s path to sobriety has not only helped her reclaim her personal happiness but also strengthened her relationship with Hugo and her role as a mother. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others who may be struggling with similar challenges. “I’ve grown a lot, and it’s been very healing,” she says.
In Bad Drunk, Millie Mackintosh offers a raw and honest look at her journey toward sobriety, providing insight into the complexities of alcohol misuse and the profound impact it can have on relationships and well-being. Her message is one of hope, self-reflection, and the importance of breaking free from destructive patterns to create a healthier, more fulfilling life.
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