In a profoundly moving and candid interview, Scottish music legend Lulu has bravely unveiled her secret decades-long battle with alcoholism, linking it directly to unresolved complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The iconic singer, famed for her powerful voice and 1964 hit "Shout," confessed that her drinking, which she managed to keep hidden from the public eye, was a coping mechanism for deep-seated trauma. For years, she functioned at a high level in the demanding entertainment industry while privately struggling.
The Hidden Struggle Behind the Spotlight
Lulu described her relationship with alcohol as a "slow process" that escalated over time. What began as a social activity gradually morphed into a dependency she felt was necessary to numb her psychological pain and navigate social situations. She revealed a constant internal battle, often pouring drinks down the sink in a bid to resist temptation, only to find herself replenishing the supply shortly after.
The Root Cause: Unaddressed Trauma
The catalyst for her addiction, she explains, was complex PTSD stemming from childhood experiences. This specific type of PTSD arises from prolonged, repeated trauma, often in situations where escape feels impossible. For Lulu, the act of performing from a very young age and the immense pressure that followed created a perfect storm of anxiety and unresolved emotional distress that alcohol temporarily quieted.
The Turning Point and Path to Sobriety
The journey towards recovery began with the simple yet powerful act of acknowledgement. Lulu credits reading a book about menopause, which discussed alcohol's detrimental effects, as a initial wake-up call. This prompted her to finally seek the professional help she needed to address both the addiction and the underlying trauma fueling it.
Her decision to pursue therapy was a pivotal moment. By confronting her PTSD head-on, she was able to dismantle the need for the crutch alcohol had provided. She has now been sober for a significant period and describes her life as "fabulous," embracing a new chapter of clarity and health.
A Message of Hope and Solidarity
Lulu now uses her platform to destigmatise addiction and mental health struggles. She hopes her story will serve as a beacon of hope for others silently suffering, showing that recovery is possible and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Her experience underscores a critical message: true healing often requires confronting the root cause of the pain, not just treating the symptoms.
