Fergie feels "blessed to be alive"

The Black Eyed Peas singer - who developed a dependency on the drug in 2001 - is proud of her recovery from substance abuse, which she says she managed in her own way, which includes permitting herself to continue drinking alcohol, even though it is not recommended by addiction experts.

Fergie - real name Stacy Ferguson - explained: "I`m not claiming to be sober. I think that that would be misleading. I drink alcohol. My father has a vineyard, and the wine is really delicious, by the way.

"Anyway, for most addicts, they would advise never to have any sort of substance. I just have my own journey, and I am very blessed to this day to be alive."

The `My Humps` hitmaker admits she always believed she would conquer her problems, even when other people started to doubt her.

She said: "There were periods of my life when a lot of people didn`t believe in me. I still had faith in myself. I really had to ask myself life questions. Where do I see myself in five years? Create a ladder for yourself, and walk up the steps. Climb that ladder." The `Big Girls Don`t Cry` hitmaker - who married actor Josh Duhamel in 2009 - also admitted she chooses not to let allegations of infidelity surrounding the showbiz couple affect their relationship.

She added to America`s Glamour magazine: "Our relationship was stronger than that. We live in a voyeuristic world, and it`s part of our business. But I like to focus on all the perks that I get in this business."

sections: Celebrities