Maya Dagan Opens Up About Alcoholism and Recovery After Near-Death Struggle

In a deeply candid interview with Israeli journalist Itay Segal, actress Maya Dagan revealed her lifelong battle with alcoholism, which began at the age of 12. Despite growing up in a stable home, Dagan described how early social rejection and insecurity led her to find confidence and escape in alcohol, which she called her "best friend" during dark times. Her addiction eventually cost her her relationships, career, and nearly her life.

Dagan, now 50, has been sober for over a year and a half and is currently making a strong comeback on the Israeli version of "Dancing with the Stars." She reflected on the painful lows of her addiction, including losing work and friends, and the moment she publicly admitted, "Yes, I am Maya Dagan and I am an alcoholic." She emphasized that alcoholism is a disease she manages daily and that recovery involves accepting reality, as symbolized by her tattoo "This is what there is."

Throughout her career, Dagan was a successful actress, winning a theater award at 26 and starring in popular productions such as "Our Song." However, she concealed her drinking well, often drinking alone and lying to those around her. Her addiction led to a breakdown in her long-term relationship with Eran Peper, though they remain close friends. She credited her daughter Amalia as a crucial motivation to survive and recover.

Dagan also discussed her physical health struggles, including prediabetes and chronic pain, which she combats through diet and exercise despite disliking sports. She acknowledged the difficulty of rebuilding trust with friends and family, noting that some have forgiven her while others, like her close friend Adi Ashkenazi, have not yet reconciled.

Now embracing sobriety and self-acceptance, Dagan is focused on healing and living in the present. She expressed hope for future love but remains cautious, stating, "I can only say 'just for today'" when it comes to staying sober. She encourages others to accept her as she is, echoing the message of her tattoo: "This is what there is."

Summary: Israeli actress Maya Dagan shared her struggle with alcoholism that began at age 12, detailing how it nearly destroyed her life and career. Now sober and back in the spotlight on "Dancing with the Stars," she speaks openly about recovery, self-acceptance, and rebuilding relationships.

Points: - Maya Dagan began drinking at age 12 due to social rejection and insecurity. - Her alcoholism cost her career, relationships, and nearly her life. - She publicly admitted her addiction and has been sober for over a year and a half. - Dagan is making a comeback on "Dancing with the Stars" while managing health issues. - She is working to repair broken relationships but some friends have yet to forgive her. - Dagan embraces sobriety with the motto "This is what there is" and lives one day at a time.

Topic: culture

Entities: {"people":["Maya Dagan","Itay Segal","Adi Ashkenazi","Eran Peper","Amalia"],"organizations":["Dancing with the Stars","YES","Teddy Productions","Keshet 12","Jerusalem Theater"],"places":["Israel"]}