James Argent celebrates one year sober as he turns life around after overdose

James Argent is celebrating one year sober after turning his life around in the aftermath of his near-fatal overdose in 2019.

The Towie star, 33, quit drink and drugs after hitting a low point on his birthday in December 2019 when he was admitted to hospital.

He’s now celebrating 12 months of sobriety and has been given a special anniversary key ring by his Cocaine Anonymous support group.

Arg shared a picture of the token, which is emblazoned with the words “1 year” and “Faith, hope and courage”.

In a post on Instagram, he wrote: “One year clean and sober… a huge milestone I’m extremely proud of” before adding a prayer hands emoji.

The brave star’s admission comes weeks after he marked the first anniversary of his brush with death.

His drug overdose happened on his 32nd birthday in December 2019, and last month he told fans he’d made huge progress since then.

In a video posted online, Arg wrote: “A year ago today on my birthday I was rushed into hospital after a near fatal drug overdose.

“Today I’m over 11 months clean & sober, If I can achieve this in 2020 with everything against me then I believe I can achieve anything.

“Thank you for your love & best wishes. I will continue to make my Family, Friends & supporters proud of me.”

Previous reports suggested Arg is planning to make his year milestone by taking on a massive challenge.

He’s said to be plotting to swim from Europe to Africa after previously taking part in Channel 4’s TV show, Sink Or Swim.

Arg’s four-hour swim across the English Channel was axed due to poor weather condtions, but reports suggested he was hoping to take on a similar challenge in 2021.

A source told The Sun : “It’s a mad thing to undergo, but Arg is at his best with a goal in mind.

“He’s told mates he’s determined to stay fit and well after a good year of doing so, so he is undertaking this as a challenge to himself.”