Hayden Panettiere Admits Her Substance Abuse Issues Forced Her to Part from Daughter

Hayden Panettiere has opened up for the first time about her substance abuse problems, which have led to her separation from her 7-year-old daughter, Kaya Klitschko.

In an interview with Good Morning America, the actress, who is marking her return to Hollywood, revealed that she dealt with her substance abuse issues alongside her postpartum depression after "Nashville" had its final run on TV in 2018. Panettiere said that people around her were concerned for her wellbeing, but she was the type who did not like to ask for help.

However, she reached a point when her dependency took over her life and messed up her relationships. Despite doctors telling her that her liver would soon give out if she did not stop drinking, the actress said she couldn't function without alcohol, even when she had a young daughter to look after.

Soon, however, Panettiere realized she had to get her health back in shape and submitted herself to a treatment facility. This also meant that she had to give up care for her daughter. The mother made the difficult choice to let Kaya live with her father, Wladimir Klitschko, who is based in Ukraine.

Letting Kaya go was the hardest decision

In an interview with People, Panettiere said that separating from her daughter was the hardest decision, but she needed to do it so that Kaya would be OK. The actress said she had to start taking care of herself and cleaning up her substance abuse issues to be a good mom to her child.

Panettiere is proud to say that she is sober and has reconnected with Kaya after undergoing intense inpatient therapy. Kaya and her father have also moved out of Ukraine because of the conflict with Russia, but the child is still living in a foreign country away from her mom.

The good thing, however, is the actress can now travel to see her daughter. Panettiere said that Kaya has a "beautiful life" and is growing up to be a smart and amazing child.

"For whatever reason, she still loves me," Panettiere said.

Kaya has inspired her mother to focus on a new initiative with Hoplon International, which helps displaced families from Ukraine. Panettiere also said that she talks to Kaya about the conflict, and although her child is still young, she understands what is going on.

Her first taste of an illegal substance

Meanwhile, Panettiere will return to work on the set of another "Scream" movie. The actress had her start in acting as a 5-year-old child and recalled that she was 15 years old when she had her first taste of an illegal substance. Someone gave her "happy pills" so she could get over her nerves for the red carpet interview, per Deadline.

The actress said she had no idea that moment would open the door to her addiction, and it took a lot from her to work on getting better. Panettiere noted that she had to be honest with herself during her rehabilitation.