United Kingdom, Jan. 3 -- Lucy Hale has described hitting "rock bottom" as the "greatest gift" of her life.

The 36-year-old actress has celebrated four years sober and marked the milestone by reflecting on how far she has come since she found herself in a "dark chapter" before turning her life around.

She wrote on Instagram: "4 years ago, I reached a very dark chapter and my personal rock bottom. It's wild to say, but that ended up being the greatest gift and biggest turning point in my life.

"The path hasn't always been smooth. There's been pain, discomfort, loneliness, and deep self-confrontation. But sobriety handed me back my life. I am deeply grateful for every single moment that has brought me to this point.(sic)"

The Pretty Lit...