X Factor star Janet Devlin: I knew I was an alcoholic when I was 20

Janet Devlin was a finalist on the popular ITV show in 2011 and used her success to kick-start a full-time music career – launching her debut album in October 2012.

Speaking in an online Youtube video, the 25-year-old said her alcoholism had driven her to some very “dark stuff” and morbid thoughts.

“I knew I was an alcoholic when I was twenty,” she said.

“I was in the privileged position to know that I was an alcoholic young. My rock bottoms happened earlier in my life than most people’s.

“I hit many rock bottoms but I kept digging. It was a very dark time.”

A feeling of isolation was one of the “triggers” for bouts of drinking she said.

“One of my biggest triggers for booze was loneliness. I lived on my own when I was 17, I got my own apartment in Sheffield. That’s when things started to go a bit off the rails shall we say.

“I was in a part of England where I knew nobody, My friends were still in school, so I was there on my own. I was so, so lonely.

“So I would just have a drink in my apartment. I started out drinking wine and then it ended up big bottles of Jack Daniels [whiskey]. It just kept getting worse.

“My mum was at a loss because I could not stay sober. I was still releasing music but I was absolutely broken.”

Janet’s situation improved when someone suggested going to Alcoholics Anonymous.

“That’s when my life changed,” she changed.

“I became a person again. It took about a year but it was so worth it. If you’re watching this and you can relate to it in some way, I just want you to know that there is hope.

The video was posted online on Wednesday, along with the message: “Hi I’m Janet and I’m an alcoholic.

“I’ve been wanting to make this video now for five years, but the timing never really did feel right. I just wanted to be honest and open with you so you can know the real me.

“I know you may be wondering why I’d even post something like this. The truth is, when I was searching for someone online five years ago who was talking about these things, it was hard to find. Which only made me feel even more isolated and alone.

“So as much as I hope you don’t relate to this video, if you do, you’re not alone. I’m sorry if you feel misled. I hope you’re having a happy day!”

Anyone struggling with alcohol addiction can contact Alcoholics Anonymous NI on 028 9035 1222.