Justin Hawkins Justin Hawkins Justin Hawkins has decided to leave The Darkness to focus on his recovery from drink and drug addiction.

The singer has also revealed the amount of money he has spent on cocaine.

Justin has been clean for nine weeks following treatment at The Priory but feels if he returns to the band, the rock 'n' roll lifestyle may ruin his attempts to get better.

He told The Sun how he has spent £150,000 on cocaine, and that his life and performances have revolved around his addiction to drugs and booze.

He said: "I hit absolute rock bottom. I spent over £150,000 on cocaine in three years - a frightening amount.

"I was consuming up to five grams a day which cost me £1,000 a week, sometimes more.

"I regularly used to stay up for four days at a time on coke and alcohol binges."

Justin began taking cocaine in 2002 when The Darkness shot to fame withtheir single I Believe In A Thing Called Love.

He said: "I feel like I've lost three years of my life.

"I'm only just coming to terms with what has happened because I was always off my face."

Justin feels guilty about leaving the band, but knows it's the best thing for his health.

"I feel bad for the others. It will be an upheaval. But it's time to move on. It would be damaging to stay on.

"I'm not blaming the band for my problem. I'm an addict."