Wendy Williams Gets Candid About Substance Abuse in Powerful PSA: ‘There Is Hope’
She’s sharing a powerful message. Wendy Williams issued a national public service announcement on Friday, April 5, directed at anyone struggling with their sobriety.
The beloved daytime TV talk show host told people they could call The Hunter Foundation’s 888-5HUNTER drug addiction and substance abuse treatment resources hotline, which she launched alongside husband, Kevin Hunter, and son Kevin Jr. on March 11.
Williams, 54, addressed how callers will be greeted by “specially trained, certified recovery counselors” who will conduct screenings to determine one’s needs. “The substance abuse will be taken care of,” the TV personality continued. “We will provide you referrals for long or short-term treatment at facilities all around the world — detox, rehab, sober living and outpatient centers.”
“If you’re an addict or substance abuser, don’t be ashamed,” Williams added. “There is hope. I’m living proof.” The talk show host said she’s overjoyed that people are seeking the help they need. “10,000 calls in three weeks is remarkable! We’re doing our part by getting the word out,” she said in a statement. “All it takes is one call to get on the right path. We’re here to help.”
Williams has been candid about her struggles with substance abuse, previously calling herself a “functioning addict.” During a recent interview, she discussed her cocaine addiction.
She told Entertainment Tonight, “I would report to work on time and I walked in and all of my coworkers, and including my bosses, would know but instead of firing me, you see, I would grab my headphones and arrogantly walk into the studio and dare them fire me because I was making ratings … It’s a miracle I was able to stop.”
In March, Williams announced that she had been working on her sobriety in private, after not appearing on the The Wendy Williams Show show from January until March 4. “I have been living in a sober house … You know I’ve had a struggle with cocaine in the past,” she said, while holding back tears. “I never went to a place to get treatment … there are people in your family, it might be you,” Williams added, explaining why she was speaking her truth. We’re wishing her all the best.
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