Model Paris Jackson marks major sobriety milestone

Singer-songwriter Paris Jackson celebrating a milestone in his sobriety journey.

The 26-year-old musician and model celebrated five years without drugs and alcohol on social media on Tuesday. Widely regarded as “Michael Jacksondaughter,” Paris' admirable goal is to acknowledge who she really is without having to associate her with her famous family.

Posting from her personal Instagram, Jackson shared a montage of images and videos from her past, celebrating who she is today with a touching caption.

“Today marks 5 years clean and sober from drugs and alcohol. To say I'm grateful would be a poor euphemism,” she writes, “(as) gratitude barely scratches the surface. It's because I'm sober that's why I am today I can smile.”

The montage, which features Past Lives' “Don't Wake Me Up I'm Not Dreaming,” features several clips of the young entertainer drinking and smoking with friends. At several points, Jackson appears to be crying as he continues his unhealthy spiral into drug use.

The visual then transitions to snapshots of Jackson holding various key chains and coins from addiction, marking her success in getting and staying sober.

As the video continues, we see a much happier Jackson dancing with friends and spending time with her fiance, music producer Justin Long, while living sober and clear-headed.

In her own words, Jackson notes how grateful she is to have experienced life's natural highs – even when she's at her lowest point.

“I get to make music. I get to experience the joy of loving my dogs and cats,” she explains.

“I can feel the heartbreak in all (its) glory. I have to be sad. I can laugh. I get to dance. I can trust. I can feel the sun on my skin and it's warm,” Jackson continues, adding, “I've found that life goes on whether I'm sober or not, but today I have to show up for it.”

The star then ends her post with a description of the reel — “a little snapshot of what has been possible because of my sobriety.”

“And my God,” she affirms, “I can't believe I almost missed it all.”

Watch Jackson's touching words and video above.

In a Rolling Stone In a 2017 interview, Jackson bravely opened up about the beginning of her addiction to alcohol and drugs, which she says began at age 15. However, the pain that led to her addiction began much earlier – when she lost her superstar father at the age of 11.

“They always say, 'Time heals,'” Jackson told the music publication, “but it really doesn't. You just get used to it. I live with the mentality of “Okay, I lost the only thing that ever mattered to me.”

By the way, Paris's older brother, Prince Michael Jackson, noted that his sister is very similar to the “Heal the World” singer.

“The only difference would be her age and gender,” he told RS. “(She's like him) in all her strengths and almost all her weaknesses. She's very passionate. She's so emotional that she can let her emotions cloud her judgement.

By age 15, Jackson, then clinically depressed and in drug and alcohol treatment, attempted to end her life.

“It was just self-hatred, low self-esteem, thinking I couldn't do anything right, (and) not thinking I was worth living,” she explained of her choice to swallow 20 Motrin pills and cut her wrists. .

Jackson was subsequently hospitalized and then transferred to an inpatient therapy program when it was discovered that this was not her first attempt.

“(They had) a three-strikes rule,” the young woman shared. “There was only one time it was discovered.”

In much happier life news, Jackson recently revealed that she is engaged to musician Justin Long after dating for two years.

With a sweet Instagram post to celebrate Long's birthday in December, the bride-to-be shared several photos of herself with Long, including one where he got down on one knee and asked for her hand in marriage.

“Happy birthday my sweet blue. Life with you these past few years has been an indescribable whirlwind,” she wrote, “and I couldn't have dreamed of anyone more perfect to do it all with. Thank you for letting me be you. I love you.”

Long is notable for his work with 5 Seconds of Summer, Grace Potter and other musical acts, including Jackson himself on The Lost EP in 2022.

Raised by a black father from a prominent black family, Jackson, who is white, has always considered herself black, despite critics claiming otherwise.

at the 2017 meeting with The Straits TimesJackson explained that she is constantly asked questions about her racial identity, but she will never back down from her truth.

“I consider myself Black. (My dad) would look me in the eye, point his finger at me, and he'd say, 'You're black. Be proud of your roots,'” Jackson shared. “And I'd say, 'Okay, he's my dad, why should he lie?