James Argent discusses past cocaine addiction in emotional interview after Portugal getaway

James Argent got emotional as he discussed his past cocaine addiction in an emotional interview with his mother Patricia on Monday’s Loose Women.

It came after the TOWIE star, 32, who has lost two stone, jetted back from a juice retreat, Juicy Oasis, in Portugal last week as he marks nine months sober. 

Talking on Monday with his mother Patricia from his back garden in Essex, James emotionally admitted that he ‘hated everything’ about himself and was the ‘biggest’ he had ever been at 23 and a half stone.  

He also revealed that during the height of his past cocaine addiction, he was locking himself in his house, in darkness, for two to three days straight.

The reality star broke down in tears as he listened to his mother discuss his past battle and said the best way he can ‘make amends’ is by ‘staying clean and sober’.  

James said: ‘I was the biggest I’d ever been, 23 and a half stone, I hated everything about myself, all time low.

‘I remember around that period, I was using drugs for like two or three days straight in my house, I had locked myself in and it was pitch back in the house.’

James said that former TOWIE star and friend, Mark Wright, booked him into a rehab centre after he said he was ready to receive treatment.

Discussing his reason to speak so openly about his past struggle, James said that he believes he will ‘stay clean and sober forever’ after seeking help.

He said: ‘I feel this time, after going to Thailand to work on myself for a few months, this time I really believe in my heart of hearts, this is the time i’m going to say clean and sober forever.

‘I believe that I felt I could discuss it and be accountable. I felt it was worst kept secret, stories throughout the years… during breaks for TOWIE it was known but I never spoke about it.’

James added that it was a ‘big weight’ off his shoulders and he now has a ‘responsibility’ to help others in the same situation.

He said: ‘Talking now its like a big weight off my shoulder now as the amount of support I’m getting is amazing. But it does mean I feel I have responsibly to help others out. 

‘Every day since I did my first interview there hasn’t been a day where someone hasn’t DM me – getting inundated with messages of people who can relate. 

James added that he first accepted he had a problem five to six years ago when he first entered rehab.  

Elsewhere during the emotional chat, the reality star’s mother Patricia said she was so ‘proud’ of her son being nine months sober.

She said: ‘Absolutely devastating, I’ve never gone public talking about my son’s addiction it’s a really big thing. I support him, so proud, nine months clean and sober we have to rejoice in this. 

‘I want to help other mothers with children going through this – it’s [the] worst nightmare a mother could face.’

Patricia added that she didn’t know who to turn to as it was ‘all alien’ to herself and their family.

She said: ‘Ages I didn’t know who to turn to, it was all alien to us. I didn’t know anything about what we were facing ahead as a family, how to deal with it. 

‘Even more difference as my son was in public light, I was scared you bring children into the world and want to protect them and love them but realised as time went on it was out of my hands and I couldn’t save him. 

‘Scariest thing to go through, looking back before I helped, I probably enabled him in some ways because I didn’t know what to do or who to turn too.’

When asked how he felt listening to his mother speak, James admitted he was emotional, he said: ‘This is the first time I got a bit choked up. 

‘It’s one thing putting myself through, ruining my own life, but its the effect you have on family and friends. When I’m in active addiction it’s all a bit of a blur and I escape my emotions.

‘And if I’m suffering with pain I use drugs and alcohol to cover it up… in terms of friends and family they had to deal day-to-day.

‘Mum wanted to talk to people but over the years people have sold stories on me, she didn’t want to discuss my private business…’

He added: ‘I didn’t know who to trust or turn to was nightmare. Different for mum, she’s such an amazing woman, she’s a childminder, a fantastic mother.

‘I feel terrible because my mum has had to get counselling and support because of what I put her through. I feel terrible.’

James concluded his interview by saying the best way he can ‘make amends’ is by ‘staying clean and sober’.

He said: ‘I’ve made my mum question is it something I’ve done… best way of me making amends is staying clean and sober. I can say sorry, treat her to meals, get her some nice jewellery, but the only thing that will make it up is to stay clean.’

Reflecting on the emotional interview, James said: ‘I didn’t expect to get upset. First time since I came home. isn’t it?’

They ended the chat by toasting his nine months of sobriety and cheering their tea mugs together.  

The interview came after James enjoyed a relaxing juice retreat in Portugal last week after overhauling his diet and lifestyle.

James looked happy and care-free as he soaked up the sun while enjoying a dip in the crystal clear water.

The reality star opted for a pair of blue and black striped swimming shorts as he made the most of his getaway.  

Last year, James suffered two near-fatal overdoses at his home, with his then-girlfriend Gemma Collins calling emergency services after his family feared he was dead.

The Essex native turned his life around and is continuing his recovery after he flew to Thailand earlier this year to go to rehab for his drug and drink addiction.