Wednesday, 6 May 2009

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Paula Abdul tells of prescription drugs struggle

American Idol judge was dependent on painkillers

Paula Abdul stars alongside Simon Cowell on America Idol

Paula Abdul has admitted she used to rely heavily on prescription drugs.

But the American Idol judge, 46, weaned herself off painkillers at a California resort in November.

‘I could have killed myself,’ she tells Ladies’ Home Journal.‘Withdrawal – it's the worst thing.

'I was freezing cold, then sweating hot, then chattering and in so much pain. It was excruciating.'

strong>Paula suffered a back injury during a cheerleading accident in her teens.

She later broke her leg rehearsing a dance routine, sustained a neck injury in a car smash and underwent spinal surgery after a plane crash.

‘I couldn't cancel my tour. I didn't want anyone to count me out,’ she admits.

‘I tried to keep everything hush-hush. I'm an old school professional. Never let them see you sweat.’

Alison Adey