Robbie Williams Says 3-Year Drug Addiction Almost Killed Him

As one of the guys in Take That, Robbie Williams was always the “fat kid,” he once said in an interview. Later on, after the split that broke the hearts of millions of female fans around the world, Williams openly struggled with his weight, alcohol addiction and, after that, a dependency to painkillers. It was the last one that almost killed him as he had to be this close to dying to be convinced to seek help, The Sun can confirm.

Three years is a long time to give in to drugs, Robbie can now say. However, the problem with him was not that he could not help himself around pills but rather that he would listen to no reason – as with everything else, Williams does addiction too in his own way. He was nearly killed and it was only then that he finally understood that he needed help and agreed to go to rehab to seek professional help, the singer says.

“Robbie Williams does not go into rehab just if his life gets a bit out of control. It was damn serious. Death had to knock on my door to help me with my decision.” Williams explains. It’s not just his obstinacy that contributed to making those dark years happen, but also his character, he adds. “I have a self-destructive character but does this hold me back from being happy? No.” Robbie further says.

Fresh out of rehab and a rather unsuccessful run music-wise after his latest album failed to get audiences in the US enthusiastic about it, Robbie is now looking to start things all over again. His new album, “Reality Killed the Video Star” drops on November 9, while the first single off it, “Bodies,” is already climbing European charts. On a more personal note, he’s finally found someone he loves and who loves him back, as he puts it himself.

“She didn’t try to change me and, just like that, she changed me for the better. I’m in love with someone who returns this love as strongly. I’ve never experienced that. That’s what makes me so careful in this relationship. I don’t want to hurt Ayda.” Robbie says in the same interview of current girlfriend Ayda Field.