Millie Mackintosh opens up about her dog helps keep her sober after she spent years battling alcohol issues. 

The former Made In Chelsea star, 35, has spoken openly about her issues with alcohol before going sober in 2022, and has since released a book about her struggles, entitled Bad Drunk.

And now in an interview with the Sunday Times, she has explained how owning her pug, Luna, as given her an additional focus. 

She said: ‘When you have a dog you’re not waking up with a hangover, you’re waking up and going for a walk along the river or meeting up with other dog owners. 

‘Having Luna helps me talk to people; I can be quite socially awkward. And I find when you’ve got a dog and another person’s got a dog, you just have something to talk about.’

Millie, who is married to former Made In Chelsea co-star Hugo Taylor and is a mother to two daughters, admitted she ‘barely recognises the person she used to be’ as she shared a ‘drunken’ throwback snap in a candid Instagram post.

Millie Mackintosh opens up about her dog helps keep her sober after she spent years battling alcohol issues

The former Made In Chelsea star, 35, has spoken openly about her drinking problems before going sober in 2022, and has since released a book about her struggles, titled Bad Drunk

She went sober more than two years ago following the realisation that she had become an ‘angry’ drunk.

As an MIC original, Millie’s early scenes on the show often revolved around partying and drinking leading to flare-ups with fellow cast members which she has since claimed got in the way of her relationships.

Continuing to raise awareness of sobriety and how much her life has changed for the good since going alcohol free, Millie wrote: ‘Now vs. Then.

‘Looking back ten years, I barely recognise the person I used to be—drinking heavily, always hungover, and completely lost.

‘I was stuck in a cycle of self-medicating, not realising that the change I so badly needed was waiting for me on the other side of discomfort.

‘Choosing an alcohol-free life has been the best decision I’ve ever made. It’s the ultimate life hack—realising that I have the power to say no.

‘Not because I have to, but because I get to. Sobriety isn’t a sacrifice; it’s a privilege, a gift I’ve given to myself, and one I’ll never take for granted.

‘The journey from bad drunk to alcohol-free has been the most transformative thing I’ve ever done. And hearing from so many of you who are on this path too means so much.

And now in an interview with the Sunday Times , she has explained how owning her pug, Luna, helps with not waking up hungover

She told the publication: When you have a dog you’re not waking up with a hangover, you’re waking up and going for a walk along the river or meeting up with other dog owners

‘Your messages about my book and your own experiences remind me why this conversation is so important.

‘If you’re navigating this too, know that you’re not alone—we’re in this together. How are you feeling about your own journey right now? Let’s chat. ✨’

Millie decided to go and see a sober coach, who helped her and has now steered clear of booze for more than two years.

If you have been affected by anything in this article, contact FRANK on 0300 123 6600, or alternatively Alcohol Anonymous on 0800 917 7650.