Dana Borisova’s daughter, Polina, spoke about a painful childhood memory during the program “To be honest.”
Polina shared that a trip to Spain, during which her mother admitted slipping into heavy drinking, stands out as one of the harshest moments in their lives. On that visit, Borisova reportedly sent her daughter out into the street, a tireless night that left Polina feeling abandoned and scared. She remembered the moment with stark clarity, describing the fear and confusion of those hours.
Polina recalled feeling overwhelmed, crying and searching for safety. She sought help in a nearby store, where a Russian woman offered assistance and support. This act of kindness by a stranger provided a brief refuge amid the distress, but the experience continued to haunt Polina as she reflected on that period of uncertainty in her life.
Polina also noted that her grandmother had been away on vacation, while she herself was in the hospital for an unspecified reason, adding to the sense of instability at the time. The memory remains a source of pain and reflection for her as she navigates her relationship with her mother and the turbulent period in question.
Borisova has not disputed her error in that moment. She remembered uttering harsh words toward her daughter that day, a memory she carries with deep embarrassment. In her own words, the situation reflected a nadir in her life, driven by fear and a sense of despair. The admission of guilt marks a turning point rather than a simple confession, illustrating the complexity of a troubled period and the heavy burden of remorse that followed.
In later years, Borisova has been candid about battles with substance use, acknowledging struggles with alcohol and drugs spanning several years. She has since taken strides to break free from harmful substances and has redirected much of her energy toward addressing this topic publicly. By 2022, she publicly celebrated five years drug-free, signaling a significant milestone in her recovery journey and offering a message of hope to others facing similar battles.
Previously, Borisova opened up about how alcoholism emerged during a time of intense public scrutiny, explaining that the pressures of fame and the drive to maintain a certain persona pushed her toward risky coping mechanisms. The path to recovery has been gradual, marked by professional help, personal accountability, and a renewed focus on healthier coping strategies. Her ongoing commitment to transparency sheds light on the challenges many adults face under the glare of media attention and public expectations, while also underscoring the possibility of change and resilience.