Cheryl Burke Details How Online Hate Nearly Altered Her Seven-Year Sobriety

Cheryl Burke is stripping down in a raw and emotional confession about her relationship to fame, the kind that doesn't bring home shiny trophies or roaring applause. More of a socioeconomic death by a thousand cuts, a type that involves shades upon shades of public scrutiny and social media judgment. And this time, this one had nearly destroyed her sanity, permanently her sobriety.

Cheryl Burke has been stone cold sober for seven years, a badge she now wears with pride and in defense, too. However, speaking in a new interview released on August 6, she revealed that the constant trolling she has endured online, especially about her looks and body image, became so severe that it made her consider taking drastic action. It was so mentally damaging that it made her think about drinking, assuming, of course, how hard she had worked to stay away from a drink. When asked if he was ever tempted to fall off the wagon, Burke admitted: 'It was something that I definitely thought about doing, but I wouldn't be able to live with that shame or guilt if I were to relapse."

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My husband points out that even those who feel rock solid in their spot under fluorescent lights and lip-syncing out of tune are still people. Toxic comments are heavy, and for someone who has battled a lot to get to where they are, any additional weight can be dangerous. Not only has Burke consistently demonstrated strength, both in front of and away from the cameras during her time on earth, but witnessing a candid moment about her struggles with mental health makes her even more relatable and one brave woman.

"I've taken so much time to love who I see in the mirror, that is something that's also new to me. But I definitely am on that path. I would hate what I would see if I ever drank a sip of alcohol." In doing so, Cheryl makes a bold statement not only to her detractors but also to those fighting this nearly invisible war we wage on our own. She is opting for self-loving over self-destructing, and reminding us that sobriety is a daily, intentional showing of power. For since we live in the age of social media, where everyone can so easily feel like a critic from behind their device, Cheryl Burke's story is a reminder that we have an impact with our words, and sometimes it is being closer to home than we may realize.