Mark Owen reveals drink problem (From Harrow Times)

Mark Owen reveals drink problem

11:36am Friday 12th March 2010 in

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Mark Owen has revealed he has been struggling with a "drink problem" for at least a decade.

The 38-year-old singer, who on Thursday apologised for having a string of affairs behind his wife's back, told The Sun he had discussed his drink problem with bandmates Gary Barlow, Jason Orange and Howard Donald and had sought advice from former Take That member Robbie Williams, who battled alcohol and drug addiction.

The singer - who also admitted he had been a heavy cannabis user and still smokes the occasional joint - said: "I have had issues for a long time - I've drunk for the last 10 years and it got to a bad point."

He went on: "I never really saw the problem. I carried on drinking through my relationship with Emma and it got to the point where she asked me to stop.

"I've never liked drinking during the day but once the kids went to bed, I'd get the bottle open and off I went.

"I have been a prat. I wasn't thinking - I don't think logically when I'm drunk. I'm not the person I want to be when I'm drunk. I can be a nightmare to live with."

Referring to his flings, the star said: "I want to make it absolutely clear I am not using the drink as an excuse. I've been living with the guilt. Maybe the drink was my way of dealing with the guilt."

The pop star and his wife Emma, who have two children, married only last October but have been together for five years.