Love Island's Scott Thomas' painful reason he drank so much after 'extreme lows'

has opened up about his experiences with alcohol and why he often "drank so much". The reality star who found fame on ITV2's has been open with fans in the past about his journey to sobriety after ditching the booze in 2022 following a night out. Now, he drinks in moderation.

Prior to going sober, Scott had attempted to go sober for a year in 2020 after hitting rock bottom the previous year. The star, who was once known as the party boy, started drinking around the age of 14 with friends in order to be one of the "cool kids". Nowadays though, he has a completely different outlook on life and admits that after sneaking out on a Friday night and asking someone to go into his local shop to buy him and his mates a bottle of vodka, alcohol became "intertwined" with his social life, confidence and self-esteem.

Now, the 36-year-old has taken to his page to open up about his journey. "Over time I had somehow lost who I was and was and no longer liked myself," he said. Scott added: "It was easier to keep running from myself through alcohol and drugs. It was only when I developed self worth again, that I felt the need to self sabotage fade away.

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"It was all I ever knew. From the age of 13 I drank with my mates on the streets and it was how I dealt with stress, how I found my confidence and even how I met girls. Through working on myself and developing natural confidence, I've now manage dot create new healthier ways to navigate life."

Scott continued: "I was self sabotaging. Despite wanting to change so much, this cycle of self sabotage behaviour with alcohol kept me in the familiar and that felt safe to me. As much as I wanted to unlock my true potential, deep down, I was scared. When I finally let go of who I was and fully embraced who I would become that's when everything became so much easier."

The star, who has since launched a string of successful businesses after his stint on the show, continued: "I was just trying to git in and be accepted. When I was growing up, partying and being the ultimate lad was glamorised. When I pulled away from the crowds and created my own path, that's when I felt more fulfilled.

"I only ever know extreme highs or extreme lows. Living life in the 'middle lane' felt boring to me. Over the last few years I've realised that being content and balanced on a daily basis is the key to long term happiness." Scott's post which has been liked over 30,000 times was flooded with messages of support from celebrities and fans.

"I can relate to so much of this," said follower as they continued: "I'm 4 years sober on Friday and it's the best thing I've ever done for myself." A second added: "I feel so much of this! Well done, Scott mate."

"Relate to this so much, seven months sober and counting," added a third. Meanwhile a fourth online follower typed: "Love that you were able to navigate through life by making healthier choices for yourself. We're all rooting for you and we're proud of you too."

Speaking previously about his struggles, Scott revealed that he hit a brick wall after being escorted out of a work event for being too drunk. Speaking to , he said: "It was embarrassing. I nearly lost everything, and it made me realise that I needed to change. So, I decided I would give up drinking for an entire year. And let me tell you, it was like taking a limitless pill. I achieved more in that year than I had in the past decade – professionally, personally, and physically."

Scott revealed that he "embraced the sesh culture". He added that when he chose to consume alcohol, he was "constantly chasing extreme highs" before hitting lows. Scott commented: "Now, I'm finding joy and comfort in residing in the middle ground and sharing that journey to help others find theirs."

Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email , message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.

If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at

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