Hayden Panettiere, 34, announces she is coming out with a memoir about her heartbreaking addiction struggle: ‘I was on top of the world and I ruined it’

Hayden Panettiere said Wednesday that she is releasing a new memoir, titled Scream And Break Free: Addiction, Trauma, and How the Cheerleader Saved Herself.

The 34-year-old star revealed In the book she will report on her battle against alcoholism and addiction.

And she added that it was “both daunting and exciting” to share her heartbreaking story.

She said People it will ‘provide an unprecedented insight into’ [her] a legendary life and an acclaimed career.”

The Scream actress added, “You may laugh a little, you may cry a little, but most importantly, you will hopefully finish it feeling inspired. I have grown so much through my experiences.’

Scream And Break Free will be released in early 2026 by Grand Central Publishing.

The child actress first rose to fame when she worked on One Life To Live from 1994 to 1997.

At age 15, she began abusing drugs and alcohol, she said. That was just the beginning of her battle.

Panettiere said: “I hope this opportunity to further explore that journey can provide some comfort to those who have faced similar challenges.

“I am truly grateful for every lesson, and for the woman I have become today.”

According to the book’s description, it will “dig deeply into the heart of her experiences as an actress, mother, and human being, ultimately inviting readers to share in the laughter, tears, and poignant moments that shaped her into the woman she is.

“With her signature blend of charm and authenticity, Panettiere invites fans and admirers alike to join her on this extraordinary journey of self-discovery and revelation.”

In late 2014, the Remember the Titans star battled postpartum depression when she welcomed her daughter Kaya with ex Wladimir Klitschko.

When she went to rehab in 2015, she said it was her idea: “I was the one who put myself in the first treatment center. I was drowning.’

When she turned 30, the household name found herself in another 12-step program, in which participants are encouraged to live a life of completely abstaining from all mind-altering substances, including alcohol.

In 2022, she spoke publicly about her struggles for the first time: “I would think I’ve hit rock bottom, but then there’s that hatch that opens.”

“I was on top of the world and I screwed up,” she admitted.

And despite her ups and downs, Hayden is still grateful for her journey.

‘I don’t regret even the ugliest things that have happened to me. I feel incredibly accomplished. And I feel like I have a second chance,” she finished.

Earlier this year, she said her “traumatizing” Nashville storylines reflected her real-life sobriety and custody battles, making her feel like she was “playing her own life.”

She played Juliette Barnes on the show from 2012-2018 and claimed that her storylines were strikingly similar to her own life “from the start.”

The star told The Messenger: ‘From the start it was like I was dating a footballer, Juliette was dating a footballer

“And then they turned her into an alcoholic. Then they turned to her, as she left her daughter behind and went so crazy [place] in Europe,. And it was very clear… they weren’t doing their homework. They didn’t create new storylines.’

Panettiere’s return to the big screen was overshadowed by the death of Jansen’s 28-year-old brother in New York City on February 19, 2023.

The actor died of aortic valve complications due to an enlarged heart, but despite her grief, the actress remained committed to recovery.

“A big part of my therapy was living in forgiveness,” she noted. ‘One step in the twelve-step program is making amends.

‘If someone wants to be a good person and be the best version of themselves, he or she can choose to do so.’