Feb 24 • 04:43 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

Podcast: Ritva Oksanen Opens Up About Her Alcoholism: 'What Am I Doing Here?'

In a recent podcast, Finnish actress and singer Ritva Oksanen reflects on her struggles with alcoholism and her journey to sobriety after 37 years.

In a new episode of the podcast 'Valo Pimiässä', 86-year-old Ritva Oksanen shares her personal struggles with alcoholism, recalling how she used alcohol to numb her feelings of loneliness and despair. She describes a turning point in her life where, after hitting rock bottom, she found herself praying for help and received the response to seek treatment.

Oksanen's honesty in discussing her past reveals the depth of her addiction, stating that she continued drinking to the point of needing a so-called 'hangover drink' to cope with her severe hangovers. It was only when these troubling thoughts and feelings became overwhelming that she realized her behavior was problematic, prompting her to seek help and ultimately quit drinking.

Now celebrating over three decades of sobriety, Oksanen reflects on her challenging journey with humility and gratitude, emphasizing the importance of awareness and treatment in combating addiction. Her story serves as an inspiration for others who may be struggling with similar issues, highlighting the possibility of recovery and the value of seeking help.

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