AceShowbiz - Jessica Simpson detailed her struggle with alcohol and how her journey to sobriety in 2017 played a crucial role in her reclaiming her voice both artistically and personally. "The moment I started drinking too much was when I started writing music in 2016 and it was making me go to places and feel sorry for myself," she told PEOPLE.

Today, at age 44, Jessica celebrates her sobriety anniversary and reflects on how alcohol had muted her emotions rather than helped her express them. "I actually am so much more honest without alcohol, and I actually believe myself so much more without alcohol," Jessica shared.

The tumultuous period leading up to her sobriety included writing sessions with hitmakers in Los Angeles. However, she felt disconnected from the music she was creating. "I have songs from those times that I never released because they just didn't feel like me," Jessica told The Cut in a separate interview.

Once alcohol was out of the picture, Jessica found it much easier to tap into her creative self. "I'd thought the more I drank, the more cool I could be and find cool words that would rhyme, that wouldn't be so expected. I overthought it when I drank," she reflects.

Returning to her Nashville roots, Jessica poured herself into her new music, pulling from her journals and poetry to craft deeply personal songs. "I started pulling out my old journals, which eventually became Open Book. I now realize the power of words put to music," she explained.

This process not only revived her passion for music but also allowed her to break free from the constraints of her past pop star image. "You have a lot of people pushing and pulling at you, and putting money into you, and you say 'Yes,' " she recalls. "I had a big voice but I didn't have a voice that people would listen to when I would speak."

Jessica's new EP is set to release on March 21, including a single titled "Use My Heart Against Me" which drops on February 21. Her sister Ashlee Simpson has been particularly supportive, describing Jessica's work as "delicious and yummy and honest."

Ashlee added, "I think the most important thing about being ready to strip your layers and be where you're at and meet yourself musically and as an artist, she's doing that and I'm very proud of her."

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.