Danielle Laidley has told how she became addicted to drugs after first trying them at the age of 48.
Three years ago, Laidley, 56, was in the depths of an addiction to methamphetamine – also known as ice – and was in such a desperate state that she considered ending it.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia ahead of the release of her Stan Originals documentary Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribesthe former AFL star opens up about her addiction struggles and how to stay sober.
Laidley explains that drugs were never part of her life growing up, but that changed when she began experiencing gender dysphoria – the distress a person feels when their gender identity does not match their physical body – and her Mental health began to deteriorate sharply.
But she was able to keep her drug use largely hidden, admitting that it was “a surprising occurrence for a lot of family and friends” given that she had been “so anti-drugs all my life.”.
The Stan Original documentary Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes doesn’t premiere until September 19 Stan.
Laidley’s obsession with the AFL perhaps foretold her eventual drug problem.
She describes how she became addicted to her work at the league, and when her career ended, she began to retreat into bad habits.
“I left the AFL – which helped me stay disciplined and balanced in my life. That was no longer there. So for the first time in 35 years you have your weekends free,” Laidley adds.
‘You work from nine to five, so there is a lot more free time. And that time off ended in self-sabotage.”
Dani Laidley (pictured) told Daily Mail Australia about her battle with drug addiction and how she’s coping with staying clean today
Dani explains that drugs were never part of her life growing up until she learned about her gender dysphoria and her mental health began to decline. Pictured with her partner Donna Leckie (left)
The former North Melbourne coach admits the self-sabotage started “very quickly in a short space of time” and “escalated very, very quickly”.
In May 2020, Dani was arrested for stalking a woman, but was spared a conviction in November that year and was instead sentenced to a deferred undertaking.
She later pleaded guilty to being found with a quantity of methamphetamine in her bra when an officer took her photo while she was being questioned.
A Victoria police officer leaked photos to the media of Laidley in custody, causing her to be publicly outed before she had a chance to come out to family and friends.
Today, the thought or idea of relapse or drug use no longer occurs to Laidley.
“I think when (my addiction) was made public, that was the most surprising thing for a lot of family and friends,” Dani says. Pictured at the Brownlow in September 2022
An obsession with the AFL also masked a deep-seated problem with addiction. Dani became addicted to her work in sports, but when her career ended, she began to ‘withdraw’. Pictured in 2022
“Since then, like the rest of my life, substance abuse has no longer been a problem,” she says.
‘Because when you drink or do drugs, it’s usually because you’re unhappy for some reason. That, or you turn to what you’re good at.
“For me, I was good at footy. But there was no footy…
“But since then, you know, life has been great. And so it has never been a problem again and it will never be a problem again.”
Daily Mail Australia revealed earlier this week that Laidley’s daughters discovered her gender identity at the height of her addiction.
She admits in her Stan documentary that her girls found out after she accidentally sent photos of herself to them in 2019.
Daily Mail Australia revealed earlier this week that Laidley’s daughters discovered her gender identity at the height of her addiction
The former West Coast Eagles star said her daughters cut off all contact with her after the incident. However, Dani and her son Kane continue to maintain a close relationship.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia this week, Laidley was happy to reveal that she has made some progress in reconnecting with her daughters.
“It’s a slow burn,” she says. ‘A lot of damage has been done by what was in the newspapers, on social media and by the way it was reported.
‘That certainly caused me and my children a lot of sadness. There has been contact with my daughters from both sides.
‘But I have really come to the conclusion that they are ready for it. It’s in their time.
‘Hopefully I continue to evolve as a person, as a parent. And we are really looking forward to that time. We hope it’s sooner rather than later.’
Dani Laidley (pictured in the Stan Original documentary Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes) tells Daily Mail Australia that progress has been made in her daughters’ communication
Laidley also says she is ready to tell her story with her partner Donna Leckie by her side.
Leckie was a lifelong friend of Laidley, and when she was at her lowest point, the two reconnected and began a romantic relationship.
“I just know our journey together has been amazing,” Laidley told Daily Mail Australia.
Laidley shut down rumors of a 2022 engagement after setting tongues wagging with a giant diamond ring.
However, Laidley and Leckie continue to wear rings on their wedding fingers and have admitted they are discussing the idea of getting married.
“We’ve talked about (marriage) sometimes,” Laidley says.
‘But we’re just enjoying ourselves. And if we ever do it, the first person, the first people we would talk to would be our family. There is no right or wrong way.’
Dani (left) and her partner Donna Leckie (right) discussed the idea of marriage
If a wedding were to happen in the future, Laidley says she would like to have it.a greater opportunity to bring together all the people who love and support us.”
“And if it was Donna, we might be having a barbecue in the back with our kids,” she adds.
In her documentary, Laidley speaks courageously about her life as a closeted trans woman in the AFL, her arrest and how she has found her true self over the past three years.
‘It is with nervous anticipation that I share my story with Australia. It hasn’t been the easiest road, but I’ve made some cherished memories and met some amazing people along the way,” says Dani.
“This story won’t pack a punch; you will see me at my lowest points and at my highest, surrounded by those I care about most and who have stood by me through it all.
“My Truth is becoming increasingly common in today’s society and highlights the need for greater inclusivity, understanding and acceptance.”
If you or someone you know would like to talk to someone confidentially about addiction, please reach out Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit Reach out. In case of emergency you can call 000.
The Stan documentary, premiering September 19, navigates their path forward during a critical twelve months under public scrutiny.