Six years after winning Survivor: China, 28-year-old Todd Herzog is struggling to survive a new challenge: alcoholism.

Herzog will be appearing on The Dr. Phil Show in November to help treat his life-threatening battle with alcohol. In a clip for the upcoming episode, Herzog admits to Dr. Phil McGraw that he drank an entire bottle of vodka before the taping of the show.

According to close family and friends, Herzog had his first alcoholic drink at the age of 22, and things progressively got worse with age. Survivor: China runner-up Courtney Yates is a close friend of Herzog and told People magazine that she witnessed the problem first hand during a cruise.

She recounted the cruise as being a typical one except for Herzog's behavior. Yates said that Herzog was shaking and had trouble sleeping, causing her to sit down with him and have a serious conversation. When the pair got home, he checked into rehab.

"I have been very protective of him," Yates said. "But for better or worse, this is public now. He's accountable to everyone. I think it's important for Todd to know how much people want to see him get better. I hope he can inspire other people who are struggling."

His mother Shirley Herzog Keeler said that he would drink up to three bottles of vodka a day, and she took turns with others checking in on him during his worst days.

Herzog wrote a message on his Facebook page Tuesday, thanking everyone for their support through his struggles.

"To all of those sending support and love to me, thank you," he wrote. "I am currently in treatment and doing fantastic and look forward to a healthy and sober life when I leave."

Herzog's episode of The Dr. Phil Show will air on Monday, Nov. 18.

Watch the shocking preview clip here:

Tags
Survivor, Dr phil