Jodi Gordon admits she has suffered from substance abuse for ‘most of her life’ after going to rehab two years ago – as she reveals her career change

Jodi Gordon has spoken candidly about suffering from substance abuse for “most of her life” as she celebrated her 39th birthday on Thursday.

The actress shared a candid post on Instagram explaining how kicking an alcohol addiction in 2022 and getting sober “completely changed my life in ways I didn’t think were possible.”

She started the lengthy post by saying the highlight of her career was working on Australian soaps Home and Away and Neighbours.

‘I have been a model since I was thirteen and travel and live all over the world. “I have also been an actor for the past 20 years, working in television and film,” she wrote.

‘The highlight of my career is working on both Home and Away and Neighbours. It’s always because of the people, the culture in those shows and my characters. They helped shape the person I am today.”

She then opened up about the challenges she experienced, writing, “I have battled substance abuse most of my life. I started recovering when I was 24, but I could never stop.’

“I got sober on April 7, 2021 and have since quit, completely changing my life in ways I didn’t think were possible.”

Jodi said her mother Bronwyn is her “hero” and “constantly teaches me how to use my own strength to get back up.”

The actress also revealed how her father, who passed away last year, taught her “acceptance, forgiveness and unconditional love.”

‘I always wanted a big family, and I got that with my daughter Aleeia. She is unlike any person I have ever known: so loving, fierce, patient, wise and curious,” she continued.

“I love being her teacher and student. She is my reason for every day. Thank you Braith, for the most beautiful gift of your life.’

The actress shared a candid post on Instagram explaining how going to rehab for alcohol addiction in 2022 and getting sober “completely changed my life in ways I didn’t think possible.”

Jodi revealed that she is now studying a Bachelor of Counseling and Communication Skills and has recently started her first professional job in mental health.

“I love this tough journey in a new field, working incredibly hard and working my way up every day with diligence, curiosity, wonder and purpose,” she continued.

“The future looks so bright as I walk this path to becoming a counselor and stay down-to-earth to share my journey. Here’s to this good fight in reducing discrimination and stigmatization that we all know exists.’

She ended by saying how poetry and writing have “helped me through the many dark places of my life.”

“If you’ve been on this wild ride with me, thank you for seeing my color, when sometimes all I showed was gray. Thank you for loving me and supporting me in your own way. I felt it.’

Jodi also revealed that she is now studying a Bachelor of Counseling and Communication Skills and has recently started her first professional job in mental health

Jodi was previously married to former NRL star Braith Anasta between 2012 and 2015. The former couple are parents to nine-year-old daughter Aleeia.

The former Wests Tigers player married the New Zealand-Australian actress in a lavish ceremony in Bali in October 2012.

Before dating Braith, Jodi was in a high-profile relationship with Channel Seven heir Ryan Stokes.

The former couple split almost immediately after her alleged drugs scandal in 2009, when she was found by police huddled in the home of suspected rebel biker Mark Judge.

Jodi was previously married to former NRL star Braith Anasta between 2012 and 2015. The former couple are parents to a nine-year-old daughter Aleeia.

Officers responded to a call at Mark’s home in Bellevue Hill after he reported armed men were in his backyard and trying to climb his balcony.

CCTV footage checked by police found no trace of the men, only Jodi and Mark hiding in a bedroom.

Jodi, who shot to fame on Home And Away, is said to have told police that cocaine had been consumed that day.

Meanwhile, Ryan had called Kings Cross police days before the episode to report his then girlfriend missing after a night out.