Former Radio Jambo host Annitah Raey has bravely opened up about her struggles with alcohol addiction, shedding light on how it affected her personal and professional life. In a candid interview with Massawe Japanni, the media personality shared her journey, from dependence on alcohol to reclaiming her life.
Battling Alcohol Dependency
Annitah revealed that she relied on alcohol to navigate social situations, unable to attend gatherings or address audiences without drinking. She described the severity of her addiction:
“I became an alcoholic addict. I couldn’t go to gatherings or even address people without taking alcohol. All my problems were hidden in alcohol. It was very bad because the first thing I was doing in the morning was taking alcohol. My child could hardly see me sober,” she admitted.
Her darkest moment came after a two-day drinking spree in December, which left her hospitalized. Reflecting on that experience, she said, “My worst experience was on December 23. We went out and partied all night. We continued drinking the next day until midday, and when I was dropped at my place, I couldn’t see. One day I fell and found myself in the hospital.”
The Impact of Growing Up Around Alcohol
Annitah traced her struggles back to her childhood, growing up in a home where alcohol was normalized. Her father owned a bar, and drinking was a common sight.
“The saddest part is I grew up seeing alcohol in our home. My dad had a bar. I didn’t have that mindset that alcohol is a bad thing. I would hang out with my dad, and he would take it,” she explained.
A Warning to Parents
Drawing from her experiences, Annitah cautioned parents against drinking around their children, emphasizing the long-term influence it can have. “Your child will drink alcohol. Don’t drink alcohol at your home,” she advised. She stressed that habits parents normalize can have unintended consequences on their children’s lives.
Breaking the Cycle
Annitah’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by those battling addiction and the importance of addressing these issues openly. Her courage in sharing her journey inspires hope for others to seek help and work toward recovery.
By sharing her experiences, Annitah hopes to create awareness about the impact of addiction, particularly in households where children may be inadvertently exposed to alcohol. Her story is a call to action for parents and communities to be mindful of the examples they set.
