Bill De Blasio's Daughter Abuse Video Reveals Struggles With Alcohol, Drugs
Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio's 19-year-old daughter released a YouTube video on Christmas Eve that detailed her struggles with substance abuse.
Chiara de Blasio published the roughly five-minute video in hopes that it will help others dealing with their own issues regarding substance abuse and depression.
De Blasio stated that she used alcohol and other drugs to alleviate her depression and anxiety.
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"I just kept reasoning and using this really fake rationale that was so justified to me that I could keep doing this stuff and be like, 'Oh, I won't drink,'" and then I would just smoke weed, and then I'd be like, 'Oh, I'm not going to smoke weed,' and then I'd just drink," de Blasio said in the video. "It was kind of just bartering for equally bad outcomes."
De Blasio also revealed that it wasn't until her therapist recommended an outpatient treatment program in New York City, that helped people around her age struggling with the same issues, that she was finally able to overcome her dependency and remain sober.
"Removing substances from my life, it's opened so many doors for me," de Blasio said, adding that being able to participate in her father's mayoral campaign was a highlight of her sober life.
She added that being able to confide in her parents helped her in overcoming her struggles with sobriety. De Blasio also detailed that talking with professionals as well as individuals who struggled with their sobriety helped her overcome her own substance dependency.
In a statement, Bill de Blasio and his wife Chirlane called their daughter's decision to share her story "courageous," and stated that the holidays in particular can be a difficult time for those struggling with substance abuse issues.
"As parents, our instinct has been to protect our daughter and privately help her through a deeply personal struggle," the de Blasios said. "But not only has Chiara committed to her own health, she is also committed to helping young people everywhere who face similar challenges."
