Former Big Brother housemate Ben Zabel in drug overdose

The former housemate had to be treated by paramedics at his Brisbane apartment on Saturday evening and was later taken to hospital where he stayed overnight.

A source close to the 32-year-old told Olokunbolablessing.com exclusively that he “overdosed on a variety of medications late Saturday night, and was rushed to hospital to be treated.”

The insider added: “Ben was seen by Mental Health on Sunday and was then released on Sunday afternoon. He is quietly recovering.”

The source added that Zabel is “still very out of it, and is recovering at home.”

Zabel posted a photo to his Instagram account on Sunday afternoon of his hospital wristband, along with the caption: “As Mark Twain once said — “Reports of my dearth have been greatly exaggerated (sic)”. Thank you to all the staff at Royal Brisbane.”

Ben Zabel shared this photo with his 118,000 Instagram followers. Source: Instagram

The official statement from Zabel’s publicist, Jeremy Hansen, reads: “On Saturday evening (15th November) Ben Zabel suffered a drug overdose. He was treated by paramedics on the scene in his apartment and was later transported to The Royal Brisbane Hospital for further treatment. Ben was released from hospital late yesterday afternoon and asks for privacy at this time.”

Zabel has spoken publicly in the past about his struggle with severe anxiety and depression. Earlier this year, the former flight attendant opened up about his dismissal from Virgin Australia in early 2013, saying he was let go by the airline because he “wasn’t fit to fly”.

“I didn’t qualify for any job on the ground and that was very sad,” he told news.com.au on the anniversary of his dismissal.

The reality TV star had been unemployed for six weeks when he applied to go on Big Brother in April, 2013.

After being evicted from Big Brother Zabel scored a regular spot on Nine’s Mornings, doing Ben’s Movie Wrap and has been working with organisations to raise awareness of anxiety and depression. He is also due to begin his one-man comedy show in the coming weeks. A Quiet Night In will premiere as part of the Brisbane Powerhouse’s first Wonderland festival of cabaret, circus and comedy in early December.

Big Brother winner Tim Dormer and former housemate and friend Ben Zabel. Source: News Corp Australia