In a very personal post on his official Facebook page, Ozzy Osbourne has shared that he had very recently been suffering a year-and-a-half long alcohol and drug abuse relapse.

Osbourne’s struggles with addiction have been discussed and acknowledged throughout his career. But it seemed as though the singer had finally embraced a lifestyle free of drugs and alcohol. His new-found mindset was documented in the 2011 film, “God Bless Ozzy Osbourne” which was directed by his son Jack and served to celebrate Ozzy’s sober lifestyle that he fought extremely hard for against seemingly insurmountable odds. Along with showcasing the professional triumphs of the iconic singer’s life, the film blatantly chronicled the personal repercussions to himself and those around him as a result of his addictions.

Watch a segment of “God Bless Ozzy Osbourne”

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But, as anyone with addiction issues (or dealing with an addict) can attest, sobriety is literally achieved “one day at a time.” A myriad of things can make a person relapse, and as Ozzy admits in his statement, “I was in a very dark place.” Add the pressure of Black Sabbath getting ready to release their first studio album in 35 years, coupled with rumors abounding in the press that Ozzy and Sharon, his wife of 31 years were separating, and it sounds like the perfect storm for a fall off the wagon. All one can do at that juncture is keep on falling, or jump back on. Giddy up!

We were very happy to read Ozzy’s report that he is now officially 44 days sober. Osbourne also emphatically wanted to “set the record straight” on the speculation of a separation/divorce from Sharon, by writing, “Sharon and I are not divorcing. I’m just trying to be a better person.”

Admitting that he has been using drugs and alcohol again to the world is a very brave thing to do. He made the public acknowledgement even more poignant by apologizing for his behavior by writing, “…I was an a-hole to the people I love most, my family. I would like to apologize to Sharon, my family, my friends and my band mates for my insane behavior during this period…….and my fans.”

We must admit that this took us a bit by surprise here at RockRevolt, because one of our journalists saw Ozzy in person just last Thursday (April 10, 2013) at the listening premiere for Black Sabbath’s upcoming album, 13 in Los Angeles. The article from the event not only points out how incredible Ozzy’s vocals sounded on every track, but that he looked amazing physically; smiling and engaging. In hindsight, we now realize Ozzy was 40 days sober at that event – and it agreed with him greatly.

Oh Ozzy…we love you. You may be batshit crazy (in a good way), but you’re one of the most talented singer/songwriter/musicians ever to grace this earth. Millions of people around the world love you and support you. Most importantly, you have the love of your family, friends and band mates to help you through this. You can do it!

Here is Ozzy’s statement in full:

For the last year and a half I have been drinking and taking drugs. I was in a very dark place and was an a–hole to the people I love most, my family. However, I am happy to say that I am now 44 days sober. Just to set the record straight, Sharon and I are not divorcing. I’m just trying to be a better person. I would like to apologize to Sharon, my family, my friends and my band mates for my insane behavior during this period………and my fans. God Bless, Ozzy

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