Anaheim mayor Ashley Aitken turned to social media Friday to admit to receiving treatment for a drinking problem in 2025 and a relapse months ago.
Here is her post:
This week has been incredibly humbling, and caused me to reflect on balancing my privacy with my public life. About a year and a half ago, in June of 2025, I left a conference early to check myself in to the Betty Ford Center. I realized I had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, and needed help managing the stress and responsibilities in my life. I spent 30 days beginning a new journey of hope and recovery. Every sober journey gets rocky, and I hit a bump this past June and drank at a birthday event. I disappointed myself and committed to start again. I share this because I’m not going to pretend that part of my life didn’t happen simply because it is now uncomfortable for me to speak of or politically damaging to acknowledge it. I am proud that I asked for help, grateful to the people who helped me, and committed to continuing my recovery.
None of that excuses excessive alcohol consumption at conferences or locally. But accepting responsibility for my alcohol consumption does not equate to the more serious allegations that have been made against me. I have denied the slurs attributed to me, and I stand by that denial.
I welcome the independent investigation and will cooperate truthfully. Where I made mistakes, I will own them. As to other allegations, I trust the evidence will bear out the truth.
I had hoped to share this on my own terms, but life had different plans for me. I regret not believing that my Anaheim community would support me, and should have given people the chance to offer their wisdom and support.
I am not perfect. My recovery is not a straight line. I apologize to anyone burdened by my drinking, especially my family. They all deserved better from me. I vow to continue the journey and be a better leader for Anaheim.
‘How this admission will be received by the city’s voters remains to be seen. I’ll note she doesn’t have five DUIs or spent time in jail like a certain Anaheim blogger.
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