Lucy Hale Celebrates Major Milestone In Sobriety Journey After ‘Rock Bottom’

“Pretty Little Liars” actress Lucy Hale has a lot to be proud of these days. In an Instagram post, Hale celebrated reaching the four-year mark in her sobriety journey, calling it “the greatest gift” of her life.

Lucy Hale, 36, has been open about her former struggles with alcohol, recalling a moment she described as her “rock bottom.” Now, she’s using her own journey to encourage others to take the first step as she did.

“4 years ago, I reached a very dark chapter and my personal rock bottom,” Hale captioned an Instagram post of a calendar that showed the exact time, down to the hour, that she’d been sober. “It’s wild to say, but that ended up being the greatest gift and biggest turning point in my life.”

Hale explained that reaching the four-year mark in her sobriety journey hasn’t always been easy, describing the pain and discomfort she felt along the way. According to the “Road Between” artist, pushing past her discomfort “handed me back my life.”

The poignant Instagram post included a hopeful message to those who might also be struggling with addiction. “Please know this: there is always a chance to begin again.” The actress urged anyone pursuing sobriety to keep going and continue speaking about their stories.

Simultaneously, Hale encouraged them to be courageous enough to ask for help. “And remember that you are so worthy of a life you’re proud of,” she wrote, adding an even more important message. “Your existence matters, and so does the story you carry. It DOES get better.”

At the end of her message, Hale shared a key insight she’s gained over her four-year journey. “I’ve realized that darkness isn’t always something to fear,” she wrote. “It’s often the very thing that leads us toward the light.”

“The Hating Game” actress has spoken openly about her past relationship with alcohol and what it took for her to begin pursuing a sober lifestyle. In an interview with PEOPLE, Hale explained that she’d always had the “desire” to change, but didn’t have the strength to move forward.

Continuing, Hale said that she had to approach sobriety in her own way, admitting that there were many times she took steps backwards.

At age 32, however, Hale decided to take control of her life after “hitting rock bottom.” The “Bionic Woman” performer said that she made the promise to herself on January 2, 2022. “I knew if I continued on that path, I would’ve lost everything I cared about. It was the scariest choice in my life, but also it’s been the best gift,” she said.

On Valentine’s Day 2023, Hale garnered the attention and support of many public figures when she celebrated her one-year sobriety anniversary. “Bear with me, this is an alternative Valentine’s Day post,” she captioned the February 14 post of a purple-iced cake with sprinkles that said “1 year” on it. “This is a post about self-love and about the greatest thing I’ve ever done. On January 2, 2023 I celebrated one year of sobriety. While this journey has mostly been private, I felt compelled tonight to let anyone who is struggling know that you are not alone and you are loved.”

Celebrities, including Demi Lovato, Lili Reinhart, Lily Collins, Troian Bellisario, Janel Parrish, Tyler Blackburn, Shay Mitchell, and Sasha Pieterse, all commented in support of the “Cinderella Story” actress.