Jennie Garth Details Self-Medicating, Having Stomach Pumped After Peter Facinelli Breakup

The 90210 actress opens up about the painful aftermath of her divorce in her new memoir.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:51pm

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Jennie Garth is reflecting on a dark period in her life following her divorce from Peter Facinelli. In her new memoir, the 90210 actress details self-medicating with drinking and pills to the point of needing to have her stomach pumped. Jennie spent time at a rehab center as she struggled with the grief and anger over the end of her 12-year marriage to the Twilight star, with whom she shares three daughters. Jennie realized her 'light was really dimming' and she knew she needed to make a change, eventually finding the strength to forgive her ex-husband and focus on herself.

Why it matters

Jennie's candid account of her mental health struggles after her high-profile divorce sheds light on the challenges that many people face when dealing with the end of a marriage. Her willingness to be vulnerable about her experience of self-medicating and seeking treatment could help destigmatize these issues and encourage others to prioritize their own well-being during difficult times.

The details

In her memoir 'I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention,' Jennie Garth describes needing to have her stomach pumped one night after self-medicating with drinking and pills following her split from Peter Facinelli. Jennie was married to the Twilight actor for 12 years and they share three daughters together. After the divorce, Jennie spent time at the Canyon Ranch rehab center as she grappled with the grief and anger over the end of her marriage. Jennie realized her 'light was really dimming' and she knew she needed to make a change, eventually finding the strength to forgive her ex-husband and focus on herself.

  • Jennie Garth and Peter Facinelli divorced in 2013 after 12 years of marriage.
  • Jennie's memoir 'I Choose Me: Chasing Joy, Finding Purpose, and Embracing Reinvention' is set to be released on April 14, 2026.

The players

Jennie Garth

A 54-year-old actress best known for her role as Kelly Taylor on the TV series Beverly Hills, 90210.

Peter Facinelli

An actor who starred in the Twilight film series and was married to Jennie Garth for 12 years.

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What they’re saying

“I wasn't putting off good vibes. I could see it in the mirror. I could look at the negative impact that that kind of grief and anger was having on me.”

— Jennie Garth

“There was a weird switch where one day I just said, 'I don't want to carry this anymore. It's impacting my relationships and how I feel about myself. I've got to let it go. I've got to forgive him.'”

— Jennie Garth

The takeaway

Jennie Garth's openness about her mental health struggles following her high-profile divorce serves as a powerful reminder that even celebrities are not immune to the challenges of heartbreak and grief. Her willingness to seek help and ultimately choose herself is an inspiring example of the importance of prioritizing one's own well-being, even in the face of immense personal turmoil.