I applaud him for both dealing with and disclosing his battle with mental illness and substance abuse

Robert Munsch recovering from cocaine addiction

Beloved Canadian children's author Robert Munsch shocked many of his fans by announcing this weekend that he has been battling addictions to cocaine and alcohol.

In a message titled "Note to Parents" posted on his website, the bestselling author Robert Munsch, 64, admitted he's been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and manic-depression (also known as bipolar disorder).

He suggested addiction was not new to him and said he had attended 12-step recovery meetings "for more than 25 years." He said the challenges of coping with his mental health conditions had led him to make some "big mistakes."

In a Saturday TV interview, Munsch admitted he had recently grown dependent on cocaine and alcohol in a bid to help him with his mood swings. He said when he was drinking, he would sometimes "do stupid things," including cocaine.

He said he had moved past the addictions and had been sober for about four months

Thanks to Buffy for sharing.