In this chapter of her life, The Bachelorette’s DeAnna Pappas is saying no to alcohol.

“It’s been the best decision that I ever could have made,” Pappas, 43, exclusively shared with Us Weekly while celebrating the launch of iHeartRadio’s “Famously Available” podcast. “I feel so much better. I sleep really great, which is awesome. And the other piece is I’ve become more clear on myself and more in touch with myself and also my higher power.”

Although Pappas denied ever having any issues with alcohol, a custody battle with her estranged husband, Stephen Stagliano, in early June revealed that the reality star was more than 60 days sober.

In a candid interview with Us, Pappas explained what led to her decision to live a lifestyle without alcohol.

“I had dealt with a lot of loss in my life. … I had to grieve on every level,” she explained. “I didn’t just grieve the loss of my marriage and my ex-husband, but the loss of his family, and in moments where I was in deep amounts of pain and sadness, I chose to drink. I mean, my affair was with alcohol and that’s my piece to carry.”

Pappas continued, “I have chosen to give up alcohol. It clearly was unhealthy for me. … I just took a deep look at my life and where it was going, and it wasn’t headed in a direction where I wanted to and if alcohol was the one thing that I could give up, then, by all means, I was willing to do it.”

In January 2023, Pappas and Stagliano split after 11 years of marriage. The couple — who share two children together — went through a public custody battle that was ultimately resolved in June.

According to Pappas, giving up alcohol has had benefits for herself and her kids.

“I’m so present every day with my kids. I go to events and I no longer need the crutch of alcohol to feel like I belong because deep down, I always have belonged,” she said. “But I started to use this unhealthy coping mechanism to feel better about myself, and I don’t want to do that anymore. Honestly, I feel like I have a servant’s heart, and if at the end of the day, if what I have had to go through touches just one person, brings one person hope to be different, or to choose to be different, or to make changes in their life, that’s all I can hope for. If my story touches one person, then that would make me so happy.”

On Wednesday, August 27, Pappas helped kick off iHeartRadio’s new podcast titled “Famously Available.” Every week, host Ben Higgins will highlight single women like Pappas as they navigate a path of self-discovery and the rollercoaster of modern dating.

Bachelor in Paradise star Mercedes Northup and some beloved “Goldens” from the ABC franchise are expected to participate in the new podcast as well.

“I believe there is someone out there for me,” Pappas told Us. “I truly do. I believe there is someone who will love me and accept me and all of my good and all of my bad.”

One member of Bachelor Nation who already does is Trista Sutter.

Related: The Bachelorette’s DeAnna Pappas Looks Back on Her ‘Darkest Night’ in Jail

DeAnna Pappas will never forget the night she found herself behind bars. “Jail is not a good look for me,” Pappas, 43, exclusively shared with Us Weekly before launching iHeartRadio’s “Famously Available” podcast on Wednesday, August 27. “It’s just not. I’m a rule follower. I didn’t get my first speeding ticket until I was 40 […]

Although the pair first connected years ago after being leads on ABC’s The Bachelorette, Pappas said her friendship with Sutter, 52, has only grown in recent months.

“I just adore her. She is the epitome of a heart of gold,” Pappas gushed to Us. “She loves others, and she loves them well. … She’s just a gem and one of a kind and I’m really grateful that she’s mine.”

To hear more from Pappas, watch the exclusive video above and pick up the latest issue of Us Weekly — on newsstands now.