Shannon Beador Admits to Using Alcohol as a ‘Coping Mechanism’
since we met Shannon Bedore On Real Housewives of Orange County, Shannon revealed her alcohol addiction. Whether it’s downing shots of tequila with Tres Amigas or ordering a straight vodka and soda for dinner, Shannon made it clear on RHOC that she enjoys a cocktail or two.
After Shannon’s drunk driving, most people expected her to give up the bottle for good. Isn’t that what you’re supposed to do when you end up behind bars for drinking? For Shannon, that’s not realistic, and she’s not afraid to admit it.
They still call her name
Over the past few months, Shannon has been trying to put her drunk driving behind her back. She recently completed her community service, and looked fresh-faced on the season 18 premiere of RHOC . However, she also raised some eyebrows after a trailer showed her drinking again. Her cast mates seemed concerned, but in a recent interview with People , Shannon explained why she hasn’t completely quit drinking.
“If I do choose to drink when I go out, I keep it to a minimum. I usually only have one or two drinks — especially if I go on vacation,” Shannon explained.
“And you’ll see the season when we went on our full trip, I ordered a drink or two when we went out – because I never want to look like I’m sneaking around – and I was fine,” she continued.
It’s been almost a year since Shannon was convicted of driving under the influence, and she says she’s done a lot of soul searching since then. She enrolled in a counseling program that included “part alcohol.” Through that process, she realized how much pain she still carries from her divorce from David Beador and her “miserable” relationship with John Jansen. These days, she feels like she’s in a better place to enjoy a cocktail or two. Moderation is key.
“I admit I was drinking a lot at the time, but I don’t do that anymore,” Shannon explained. “I was using alcohol as a coping mechanism. And I know I can’t do that anymore.”
The Real Housewives of Orange County continues on Bravo, Thursday nights at 9/8c.
Tell us – were you surprised to hear Shannon describe alcohol as her coping mechanism? Do you think her continued drinking is a problem?
