ST. Paris Jackson Got Her ‘Life Back’ After Sobriety, Says the Journey Was ‘Like Getting into a Car Accident’

Paris Jackson is reflecting on her sobriety journey and how it feels “getting my life back.”

On Saturday, Oct. 11, the 27-year-old singer-songwriter and daughter of the late Michael Jackson attended the 35th annual Friendly House Awards Luncheon in Los Angeles. Friendly House is a rehabilitation program for women healing from trauma, offering a sober living house, meetings and other forms of support for those dealing with drug and alcohol addiction.

During the event, Paris was awarded the Shining Star Award for her work with the organization and opened up about the improvements in her life since becoming sober.

“Most of the service work I do is one-on-one. I don’t typically make a spectacle of it because my life simply depends on it and because it is also part of my spiritual foundation,” she shared during her speech. “That being said, I’m really grateful to be a part of a movement that aligns so much with my higher purpose and the essence of my daily reprieve. Getting someone to develop conscious contact has easily been the greatest action I’ve ever taken and I pray that I can continue to help others.”

“I didn’t just get my life back. I got a better one,” she continued. “I say it’s funny, I feel like getting sober was kind of like getting into a car accident because everything I shoved in the back seat moved forward on impact and today I’m learning to navigate life on life’s terms.”

“And along with those things that flew forward, I support any and all programs and foundations and organizations that work towards helping other women do the same,” she said. “So thank you guys for having me. Thank you for this moment, and thank you all for what you are doing. Godspeed. We’re coming back.”

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In January, Paris celebrated being “clean and sober” for five years with a post on Instagram featuring a compilation video of her journey over the years.

While the clip began with footage of Paris consuming alcohol, it then finished with recent moments of the performer sober while singing, attending events and completing adventurous activities. Moments with her fiancé Justin Long were also featured in the video, as well as cute exchanges with her pet dog. The clip ended with a message that read, “To those that helped me on this journey, if only for just the beginning, middle or the whole time so far, you know who you are.”

Paris also continued in the caption. “Hi, I’m pk and I’m an alcoholic and a heroin addict. Today marks 5 years clean & sober from all drugs and alcohol,” she wrote. “To say that I’m thankful would be a poor euphemism. Gratitude hardly scratches the surface. It’s because I’m sober that I get to smile today.”

“I get to make music. I get to experience the joy of loving my dogs and cat. I get to feel heartbreak in all its glory,” she said.

Paris added that she’s able to experience life’s emotions of grief, laughter and trust.

“I feel the sun on my skin and it’s warm. I’ve found that life keeps happening regardless of whether I’m sober or not, but today I get to show up for it,” she continued. “Here’s a little snapshot of what has been possible because of my sobriety, and my god I can’t believe I almost missed it all.”