Home and Away star Emily Weir opens up over alcohol addiction

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Home and Away star Emily Weir has opened up about her alcohol addiction.

The Mackenzie Booth actress explained to Australia's Who Magazine that she turned to drinking to deal with her anxiety.

"I was self-medicating with red wine, but I managed to hide it all really well," she admitted.

"I ignored the issue because I wanted to travel and party with my friends, like most people in their early 20s. I started drinking more at that time because it combated the anxiety and all my fears dissipated. But I became reliant on booze."

Photo credit: Channel 5
Photo credit: Channel 5

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She said that she realised that her personal life had fallen apart and vowed to get sober, which she still is to this day.

"I knew I had to stop drinking," she added. "It wasn't serving me well and I knew I had to finally address why I was drinking."

She explained that sought help from Alcoholic Anonymous and a counsellor, something that she says won't work for everyone but thankfully worked out for her.

Photo credit: Don Arnold - Getty Images
Photo credit: Don Arnold - Getty Images

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She continued: "The more you shine a light on anxiety and addiction, the less power it has. It's definitely not easy, but by speaking out, I hope anyone else who's struggling realises that these issues can and do affect anyone.

"I'm passionate about shining that light on something that affects so many of us."


Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.15pm on Channel 5 and 6pm on 5STAR. First look screenings air at 6.30pm on 5STAR and the show also streams on My5.

In Australia, the show airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7pm on Channel 7 and streams on 7plus.

Selected classic episodes are available via Amazon Prime Video in the UK.

Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage


Alcohol Change UK offers information, advice and support with their questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Change UK's website. Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).

Readers can also contact Drinkaware.

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