Danielle Laidley has opened up about how she became addicted to drugs after trying them for the first time at 48.
Three years ago, Laidley, 56, was in the depths of an addiction to methamphetamine – also known as ice – and was in such a desperate state that she considered quitting it.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Mail Australia ahead of the release of his documentary Stan Originals Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribesthe former AFL star opens up about her battle with addiction and how she manages to stay sober.
Laidley explains that drugs were never a part of her childhood life, but that changed when she began experiencing gender dysphoria – the distress a person feels when their gender identity does not match. to her physical body – and that she mental health began to decline sharply.
But she was able to keep her drug use mostly a secret, admitting that it was a “surprising thing to a lot of family and friends”, given that she had been “very anti-drugs her whole life”..
Stan Original Documentary Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes will premiere on September 19 only on Stan.
Laidley’s obsession with the AFL perhaps predicted his eventual drug problem.
She describes how she became addicted to her work in the league and, late in her career, began to “retreat” into bad habits.
“I left the AFL, which helped me stay disciplined and balanced in my life. It wasn’t there anymore. So you have your weekends off for the first time in 35 years,” adds Laidley.
“You work nine to five, so you have a lot more free time. And this free time ended in self-sabotage.
Dani Laidley (pictured) spoke to Daily Mail Australia about her battle with drug addiction and how she now manages to stay clean today.
Dani explains that drugs were never a part of her childhood life until she discovered her gender dysphoria and her mental health began to decline. Pictured with partner Donna Leckie (left)
The former North Melbourne coach admits the self-sabotage happened “very quickly in a short period of time” and “escalated very, very quickly”.
In May 2020, Dani was arrested for stalking a woman, but was not convicted in November that year and was placed on deferred recognizance.
She later pleaded guilty to being found with a quantity of methamphetamine hidden in her bra when a police officer took a photo of her while she was being questioned.
A Victoria Police officer leaked photos of Laidley in custody to the media, publicly outing her before she had the chance to tell family and friends.
These days, the thought or idea of relapse or drug use no longer crosses Laidley’s mind.
“I think when (my addiction) became public, it was the most surprising thing for a lot of family and friends,” Dani says. Photographed at Brownlow in September 2022
An obsession with AFL also masked a deep-rooted problem with addiction. Dani became addicted to her work in sports, but when her career ended, she began to “retire.” Photographed in 2022
“Since that time, as for the rest of my life, (drug abuse) has not been a problem,” she says.
“Because usually when you drink or (abuse) drugs, you’re doing it because you’re not happy for some reason. That, or you turn to what you’re good at.
“For me, I was good at football. But Footy wasn’t there…
“But since then, you know, life has been good. And so this has never been and will never be a problem again.
Daily Mail Australia revealed earlier this week that Laidley’s daughters discovered his gender identity during the height of his addiction.
She admits in her documentary Stan that her daughters found out after accidentally sending them photos of herself in 2019.
Daily Mail Australia revealed earlier this week that Laidley’s daughters discovered his gender identity during the height of his addiction.
The former West Coast Eagles star said her daughters cut off contact with her after the incident. However, Dani and her son Kane continue to maintain a close relationship.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia this week, Laidley was happy to reveal she had made progress in reconnecting with her daughters.
“It’s a slow burn,” she says. “There was a lot of damage because of what was written in the newspapers, on social media and the way it was reported.
“It certainly caused a lot of grief for me and my children. There was contact on both sides, with my daughters.
“But I’ve really come to the conclusion that it’s when they’re ready. It’s their time.
“I hope I continue to grow as a person and as a parent. And we’re really looking forward to this moment. We hope it will be as soon as possible.
Dani Laidley (pictured in the documentary Stan Original Revealed – Danielle Laidley: Two Tribes) tells Daily Mail Australia there has been a progression in her daughters’ communication
Laidley also says she is ready to tell her story with her partner Donna Leckie by her side.
Leckie was a longtime friend of Laidley, and when she was at her lowest, the two reconnected and began a romantic relationship.
“I just know our journey together is great,” Laidley told Daily Mail Australia.
Laidley shut down 2022 engagement rumors after setting tongues wagging with a giant diamond ring.
However, Laidley and Leckie continue to wear rings on their wedding fingers and have admitted to discussing the idea of getting married.
“We talked about (marriage) sometimes,” Laidley said.
“But we just like each other.” And if we ever have to, the first person, the first person to talk to would be our family. There is no right or wrong way.
Dani (left) and her partner Donna Leckie (right) discussed the idea of marriage
If a future wedding were to take place, Laidley says she would love to have ‘a greater opportunity to bring together all the people who love and support us.”
“And if it was Donna, maybe have a barbecue in the back with our kids,” she adds.
In her documentary, Laidley bravely talks about her life as a closeted trans woman in the AFL, her arrest and how she found her true self over the past three years.
“It is with nervous anticipation that I share my Australia story. It hasn’t been the easiest road, but I have made precious memories along the way and met some incredible people,” says Dani.
“This story will have no effect; you will see me at my lowest and my highest, surrounded by those I care about most and who have supported me through it all.
“My truth is becoming more and more common in today’s society and highlights the need for greater inclusion, understanding and acceptance. »
If you, or someone you know, would like to talk to someone confidentially about addiction, contact Safety rope 13 11 14 or visit Reach. In case of emergency, call 000.
The documentary Stan, premiering September 19, follows their journey through a critical twelve-month period under public scrutiny.
