Scottish pop legend Lulu has spoken candidly about the ongoing management of her sobriety, more than a decade after seeking help for alcohol addiction. The 76-year-old singer, whose career spans over sixty years, describes living with a 'healthy fear of relapse' as a crucial part of her life without drink.
The Turning Point: A Birthday Admission and a Flight to Rehab
Lulu's journey to sobriety began in earnest after her 65th birthday party, where she first admitted to having a problem with alcohol. The full extent of her struggle became clear during a family conversation about a friend's own battle with drink. 'He's not the only one,' Lulu found herself saying, a moment of honesty that led to immediate action.
Within 24 hours of that revelation, the Eurovision winner was on a flight to the United States to check into a rehabilitation facility. She broke the news to her shocked son, Jordan, in a phone call before take-off. Lulu remained in the American clinic for six weeks, a period that started her on the path to recovery. Her last alcoholic drink was on November 3, 2013.
Life in Recovery: AA Meetings and a 'Healthy Fear'
Upon leaving rehab, Lulu immersed herself in the recovery process, attending one or two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings every day for five years. She has spoken of the relief she felt upon learning that addiction is an illness, freeing her from the belief she was simply a 'bad person'.
While she has kept her sobriety private for years, the release of her memoir, 'If You Only Knew', in 2025 allowed her to share her story publicly, a move she described as 'liberating'. On Matt Willis's 'On The Mend' podcast, Lulu elaborated on her mindset, explaining that a return to drinking would 'be the end of her', a consequence she is acutely aware of.
The Hidden Struggle: Strictly and Functioning Addiction
In previous disclosures, Lulu revealed the depth of her hidden addiction, including drinking in secret every night while competing in the 2011 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Paired with professional dancer Brendan Cole, she described herself as a 'highly functioning alcoholic' who could work intensely the day after drinking.
Despite occasional thoughts when around others enjoying fine wine, Lulu states she is rarely consumed by a desire to drink. She maintains her vigilance through that healthy fear of relapse, understanding the risk but not letting it dominate her daily life. For Lulu, the battle for sobriety is ongoing, but one she continues to manage successfully, day by day.
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at alcoholchange.org.uk
