Celebrity Treasure Island winner Nix Adams on overcoming addiction and loss

Nix Adams has emerged as a symbol of resilience after winning the TVNZ series Celebrity Treasure Island. The victory marks a historic milestone, as Adams is the first woman to win the competition in nearly 20 years.

Beyond the trophy, the win secured $100,000 for the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation. Adams, who has experienced domestic violence and childhood trauma, is dedicated to speaking for those without a voice.

A Journey Through Rock Bottom

The path to success was preceded by profound tragedy. Adams spiraled into addiction following the death of her 16-month-old son, Alaska, who died from an unknown illness.

To numb the pain, she turned to alcohol and eventually meth, leading to a five-year addiction. During this period, she survived through theft, drug dealing and prostitution.

While living in Australia, Adams was charged with robbery and served a month in prison at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in Victoria. It was within these walls that she finally got clean.

Did You Know? Nix Adams is the first woman to win the Celebrity Treasure Island series in almost two decades.

Rebuilding a Life in New Zealand

After achieving sobriety, Adams returned to New Zealand to make amends. She began her recovery from scratch, living in a tent while rebuilding her life piece by piece.

She began sharing her journey on social media, posting a mix of cooking videos and candid rants. This authenticity connected with a wide audience and helped her regain custody of her children.

Her professional rise followed quickly. Adams became a presenter on Māori TV’s Terei Tonight and was named Media Personality of the Year in 2022.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Adams’ transition from a marginalized state to a public figure highlights the power of radical transparency. By leveraging social media to document her recovery, she transformed personal trauma into a platform for advocacy and professional opportunity.

The Spiritual Drive to Win

During the filming of Celebrity Treasure Island, Adams relied on her spirituality to navigate an environment that was outside her comfort zone.

She maintained a daily dialogue with her late son, Alaska, asking him for guidance and strength. She believes his presence provided the comfort necessary to locate the buried treasure.

Adams views her victory as a testament to determination over confidence. She describes her experience as having been to “hell and back,” which now drives her to accept every opportunity that comes her way.

Healing and Future Chapters

A significant part of Adams’ recovery has been the birth of her daughter, Egypt, three years ago. Shared with partner Dennis Makalio jnr, the experience has been a source of healing.

Adams admits to initial guilt about having another child after the loss of Alaska. However, she believes Alaska would want his sister to experience life and that a part of him exists within her.

Looking ahead, Adams may share further details of her life in a book scheduled for release later this year. She is likely to remain focused on her role as a mother while continuing her public advocacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who received the prize money from Nix Adams’ win?
The $100,000 victory prize was secured for the Child Abuse Prevention Foundation.

What led Nix Adams to her period of addiction?
Adams turned to alcohol and meth to numb the unbearable pain following the death of her 16-month-old son, Alaska.

How did Nix Adams enter the media industry?
She started by sharing her story and various content on social media, which eventually led to her role as a presenter on Māori TV’s Terei Tonight.

How does Nix Adams’ story change your perspective on the possibility of recovery from rock bottom?