Stars Who Have Been Candid About Their Struggle with Sobriety and Recovery
The journey toward sobriety is a deeply personal path that many high-profile figures have navigated under the scrutiny of the public eye. By sharing their experiences with addiction and the challenges of maintaining long-term recovery, these individuals have helped to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. Their stories highlight the reality that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of fame or success, and that professional help and community support are often vital components of the healing process. These stars have used their platforms to advocate for mental health and provide hope to others facing similar struggles.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. spent years battling drug and alcohol addiction, which led to multiple arrests and a prison sentence in the late 1990s. His father reportedly introduced him to marijuana when he was only six years old, initiating a decades-long cycle of substance misuse. He achieved lasting sobriety in 2003 and has since rebuilt his career, becoming one of the most successful actors in the world. He credits a combination of 12-step programs, therapy, and martial arts for helping him maintain his healthy lifestyle.
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis has been open about her long-term recovery from an addiction to prescription painkillers that began following a minor cosmetic procedure. She managed to hide her dependency for many years while continuing her successful acting career in films like ‘Halloween’. In 1999, she sought help and has since become a vocal advocate for addiction awareness and recovery. She frequently refers to her sobriety as her greatest single accomplishment, placing it above her professional accolades.
Bradley Cooper
Bradley Cooper decided to get sober at the age of 29 after realizing that his substance use was threatening to derail his life and career. He has discussed how he felt like an outsider in Hollywood during his early years and used alcohol and cocaine to cope with those insecurities. Since 2004, he has remained dedicated to a sober lifestyle, which he credits as the foundation for his subsequent success in projects like ‘A Star Is Born’. Cooper has mentored other actors in their own recovery journeys and remains committed to daily self-work and therapy.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore famously entered rehab for the first time at age 13 after a childhood spent in the spotlight and exposed to adult nightlife. She detailed these early struggles in her memoir ‘Little Girl Lost’ and spent years navigating the ups and downs of fame as a young adult. While she was sober from hard drugs for decades, she more recently shared that she has also given up alcohol entirely. She now advocates for the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing mental health to maintain personal stability.
Anthony Hopkins
Sir Anthony Hopkins has been sober since 1975 after a significant wake-up call regarding his heavy drinking. He has candidly described waking up in a hotel room in Arizona with no memory of how he got there, which prompted him to join Alcoholics Anonymous. He often uses his social media presence to celebrate his sobriety milestones and offer encouraging words to those still struggling. For nearly 50 years, the ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ star has maintained his recovery while achieving legendary status in the film industry.
Matthew Perry
The late Matthew Perry was exceptionally transparent about his decades-long struggle with alcohol and prescription medication addiction. He revealed in his memoir, ‘Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing’, that he spent millions of dollars on 15 stints in rehab and survived multiple health crises related to his use. During the height of ‘Friends’, his physical appearance often reflected the severity of his addiction, a fact he later discussed with great vulnerability. Perry dedicated much of his later life to helping others, even turning his former home into a sober living facility.
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato has been a prominent voice for mental health and recovery since first seeking treatment in 2010. They have survived several high-profile relapses and a near-fatal overdose in 2018, all while sharing the raw details of their journey through documentaries and music. After briefly experimenting with a “California sober” approach, Lovato announced in 2021 that they had returned to full sobriety. They continue to use their platform to advocate for transparency regarding the non-linear nature of the recovery process.
Elton John
Sir Elton John sought treatment for cocaine and alcohol addiction in 1990 after seeing the impact of the AIDS crisis on his friend Ryan White. He has admitted that he was “self-obsessed” and irresponsible during the peak of his drug use in the 1970s and 1980s. Since achieving sobriety, he has established the Elton John AIDS Foundation and has mentored numerous other musicians through their recovery. He frequently marks his “sobriety birthday” with public messages of gratitude for the life he has built since getting clean.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck has spoken extensively about his recurring battles with alcohol addiction and his multiple stays in residential treatment. He has described addiction as a lifelong and difficult struggle that requires a full-time commitment to manage. Affleck has also discussed the hereditary nature of the disease in his family and how his children have motivated him to stay on the path of recovery. Despite several public relapses, he continues to emphasize that asking for help is a sign of courage rather than failure.
Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe turned to alcohol as a teenager to cope with the immense pressure and scrutiny of starring in the ‘Harry Potter’ film franchise. He has admitted to being intoxicated while filming some scenes and using drink to manage intrusive thoughts associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Radcliffe achieved sobriety in 2010 and has remained alcohol-free since, often speaking about how much happier and more present his life is without it. He credits his close friends and the realization that he didn’t need to live in chaos for his successful transition.
Dax Shepard
Dax Shepard is the host of the ‘Armchair Expert’ podcast, where he frequently discusses his history of substance use and long-term recovery. In 2020, he made headlines by candidly admitting to a relapse on prescription pain medication after 16 years of sobriety. By sharing this setback immediately with his audience, he aimed to dismantle the shame associated with relapse and reinforce the importance of honesty. Shepard continues to be an active participant in the 12-step community and promotes the value of accountability.
Eminem
Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, nearly died from a methadone overdose in 2007, which served as the ultimate catalyst for his recovery. He has rapped extensively about his addiction to prescription pills like Vicodin and Valium in albums like ‘Relapse’ and ‘Recovery’. Since April 2008, he has maintained his sobriety with the help of a sponsor and a rigorous exercise routine. He has described his recovery as a rebuilding of his brain and his life from the ground up.
Kristin Davis
Kristin Davis, best known for ‘Sex and the City’, has been in recovery for over 30 years and was sober before she became a household name. She has explained that she didn’t believe she would live to see age 30 if she didn’t stop drinking. Davis realized that her social drinking was escalating into a problem that she could no longer control. She chose to prioritize her acting career and her health over the partying lifestyle and has maintained her sobriety throughout her entire professional life.
Colin Farrell
Colin Farrell checked into rehab in 2005 immediately after finishing the film ‘Miami Vice’ to address a severe addiction to drugs and alcohol. He has described his early years in Hollywood as a blur of substance misuse that left him feeling “out of control.” Farrell has been sober since 2008 and even checked himself back into treatment in 2018 as a preventive measure during a stressful period. He remains a vocal supporter of the recovery community and often speaks about the clarity that sobriety has brought to his fatherhood.
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson entered a rehabilitation clinic in 1991 after his wife and daughter found him passed out in the kitchen. At the time, he was a working actor struggling with a crack cocaine addiction that threatened to destroy his family. Just weeks after completing his treatment, he played a crack addict in ‘Jungle Fever’, a role he says helped him stay focused on his new path. He has remained sober for over 30 years and credits his recovery for the massive career success he achieved in his 40s and beyond.
Josh Brolin
Josh Brolin celebrated a decade of sobriety in 2023, having quit drinking in 2013 following a public arrest for public intoxication. He has written candidly on social media about the “mess” of his past and the profound gratitude he feels for his current life. Brolin often reflects on how sobriety has allowed him to be a more present father and a more disciplined professional in films like ‘No Country for Old Men’. He describes the process of recovery as one that requires constant vigilance and a willingness to face one’s past.
Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige has been open about her struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, which she used to cope with the trauma of childhood abuse. She has credited her faith and prayer for helping her overcome her dependencies after years of destructive behavior. Blige hit a turning point in 2012 when she realized that she was at risk of losing her voice and her life if she did not change. She now uses her music and public appearances to inspire others to seek healing and self-love.
Tom Holland
Tom Holland revealed in 2023 that he had been sober for over a year after realizing he was “definitely addicted” to alcohol. The ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ star initially tried a “Dry January” and found it so difficult that he decided to extend his abstinence. He has spoken about how giving up drinking improved his sleep, mental clarity, and overall well-being. Holland admitted that he used to feel like he couldn’t enjoy social events without a drink, but now feels more comfortable and confident sober.
Florence Welch
Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine has been sober since 2014 after realizing that her relationship with alcohol was becoming dangerous. She has discussed how her early days of fame were characterized by heavy drinking to manage the intensity of performing. Welch noted that sobriety changed her relationship with her music, allowing her to be more present and less focused on “the party.” She celebrated eight years of recovery in 2022 and continues to speak about the benefits of an alcohol-free life.
Jack Osbourne
Jack Osbourne entered rehab at the age of 17 for an addiction to OxyContin and has been sober since April 2003. Growing up on the reality show ‘The Osbournes’, he faced unique pressures that contributed to his early substance misuse. He has remained a steady voice in the recovery community, often sharing his milestones and discussing the challenges of staying sober while living with multiple sclerosis. Osbourne credits the support of his family and a disciplined program for his two decades of continuous recovery.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith has shared that she used to drink two bottles of wine a day before deciding to quit cold turkey in the early 1990s. She has described herself as a “binger” who struggled with both alcohol and a variety of drugs during her younger years. Smith noted that her wake-up call came when she realized she was using substances to mask deep emotional pain. She has been sober for over 25 years and frequently discusses the intersection of mental health and addiction on her show ‘Red Table Talk’.
Josh Peck
Josh Peck, former star of ‘Drake & Josh’, has been in recovery from drugs and alcohol since 2008. He has been candid about using substances to numb his insecurities and the “hole in his soul” that remained even after significant weight loss. Peck credits a 12-step program for providing the structure and bedrock he needed to rebuild his life and career. He often shares his story to show that recovery is possible for young people and that it leads to a more fulfilling existence.
Kat Von D
Kat Von D celebrated 15 years of sobriety in 2022 and has been very public about her journey since first getting clean in 2007. The tattoo artist and reality star realized that her drinking was hindering her professional goals and personal growth. She has shared that she initially worried her creativity would suffer without alcohol, but found that the opposite was true. Von D often uses her social media platform to encourage others who are in the early stages of their own recovery.
Russell Brand
Russell Brand has been in recovery from heroin and alcohol addiction since 2002 and is an outspoken advocate for the 12-step recovery model. He has written books on the subject, including ‘Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions’, which explores his philosophy on overcoming various forms of dependency. Brand frequently works with charities to help those currently struggling and has testified before government committees on addiction treatment. He maintains that recovery is a spiritual journey that requires community and constant self-examination.
Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey has discussed her history of teenage alcoholism, noting that she was sent to a boarding school at age 14 to help her get sober. She has described alcohol as her “first love” and a primary theme in her early songwriting on albums like ‘Born to Die’. She has been sober since 2003 and has spoken about the challenge of maintaining that sobriety while navigating the music industry. Del Rey has also worked in outreach programs for addicts, using her experience to help others find a path forward.
Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton battled severe heroin and alcohol addiction throughout the 1970s and 1980s before finally achieving sobriety in 1987. He has said that the birth of his son provided a major motivation for him to stay clean, and he maintained his recovery even after his son’s tragic death. Clapton founded the Crossroads Centre in Antigua, a world-renowned drug and alcohol treatment facility, to provide help to others. His autobiography provides a detailed account of the “darkness” of his addiction and the freedom he found in recovery.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt opened up about his decision to stop drinking following his high-profile divorce, revealing that he spent a year and a half attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. He has praised the anonymity and safety of the group for allowing him to be vulnerable and face his shortcomings. Pitt has credited fellow actor Bradley Cooper for supporting him during his transition to a sober life. He now describes his life as being much more balanced and “at peace” without the use of substances.
Katy Perry
Katy Perry discussed her struggles with alcohol and her journey toward recovery during an interview in 2020. She revealed that she had been in regular therapy and had achieved five years of recovery after hitting a low point in her life. Perry noted that her decision to change was driven by a desire to prioritize her mental health and be a better role model for her daughter. She continues to advocate for self-care and the importance of professional support for those facing substance use issues.
Macklemore
Macklemore, born Ben Haggerty, has been incredibly candid about his recurring struggles with drug and alcohol addiction throughout his music career. He first entered recovery in 2008 and has experienced several public relapses, including one during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has used his music, particularly songs like ‘Otherside’ and ‘Kevin’, to address the opioid epidemic and the personal toll of addiction. Macklemore emphasizes that recovery is a lifelong process that requires constant effort and a willingness to start over after a setback.
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe celebrated 33 years of sobriety in 2023 and has been one of Hollywood’s most consistent voices on the benefits of a sober lifestyle. He decided to get help in 1990 after realizing that his partying lifestyle was incompatible with the life he wanted to lead. Lowe has often spoken about how the 12-step program saved his life and allowed him to sustain a long and successful career. He continues to offer encouragement to others, reminding them that “recovery is possible” if they take it one day at a time.
Edie Falco
Edie Falco, known for her roles in ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Nurse Jackie’, has been sober from alcohol for over 25 years. She has noted that her personal history with addiction helped her portray the character of an opioid-addicted nurse with authenticity and empathy. Falco decided to get sober in the early 1990s when she realized that her drinking was beginning to interfere with her work. She has maintained that sobriety is the most important thing in her life and the key to her continued professional success.
Zac Efron
Zac Efron sought treatment in 2013 for an addiction to cocaine and alcohol that developed as he transitioned from teen stardom to adult roles. He has spoken about the “never-ending struggle” of addiction and the importance of attending Alcoholics Anonymous and therapy. Efron noted that his social circle changed significantly after he got sober, as he sought out more positive influences. He now prioritizes fitness and a disciplined lifestyle to maintain his mental and physical health.
Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf has been vocal about his struggles with alcohol addiction, which have led to several public outbursts and legal issues over the years. He has undergone court-mandated treatment and has spoken about the “shame” of his past behavior during his recovery process. LaBeouf has credited spiritual exploration and therapy for helping him find a new path and remain sober. He continues to discuss the complexities of addiction and the ongoing work required to maintain personal stability.
Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan’s struggles with substance use were highly publicized through a series of legal issues and court-ordered rehab stints between 2007 and 2014. After years of public scrutiny, she has more recently spoken about finding peace and maintaining a sober lifestyle while living abroad. Lohan has expressed that she is “in a good place” and focused on her return to acting with a clearer perspective. She now advocates for the importance of privacy and a strong support system in the recovery journey.
Stephen King
Stephen King’s family staged an intervention for him in the late 1980s after his addiction to alcohol and drugs became life-threatening. He has been sober for over 30 years and has written extensively about the intersection of addiction and creativity in his memoir ‘On Writing’. King has admitted that he does not remember writing some of his most famous books, such as ‘Cujo’, due to the severity of his substance use. His recovery allowed him to continue his prolific career with a renewed sense of focus and health.
Kelly Osbourne
Kelly Osbourne has been transparent about her history of prescription drug and alcohol addiction, which began when she was just 13 years old. She has checked into rehab seven times and experienced a notable relapse in 2021 after four years of sobriety. Osbourne shared the details of her relapse on social media to emphasize that addiction is a “daily battle” and to encourage others to be honest about their struggles. She continues to participate in weekly therapy and credits her family for their unwavering support.
Anthony Kiedis
Anthony Kiedis, lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, detailed his decades-long battle with heroin and cocaine addiction in his memoir ‘Scar Tissue’. He experienced numerous relapses before finally achieving long-term sobriety in 2000. Kiedis has discussed how his addiction almost cost him his life and his position in the band on several occasions. He now lives a health-conscious lifestyle and uses his experiences to help others in the music industry who are struggling with similar issues.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway announced in 2018 that she had decided to stop drinking for the sake of her son, noting that her hangovers made it difficult to be the parent she wanted to be. While she has clarified that she did not necessarily identify as an alcoholic, she was candid about how alcohol no longer served her lifestyle. She has spoken about the social pressure to drink and the freedom she felt after making the choice to abstain. Hathaway’s transparency has been praised for highlighting that sobriety can be a positive lifestyle choice for many different reasons.
Danny Trejo
Danny Trejo has been sober for over 55 years and is one of the most respected figures in the Hollywood recovery community. He discovered his path to sobriety while incarcerated in the 1960s and has since dedicated much of his life to working as a drug counselor. Trejo often speaks to at-risk youth and inmates about the possibility of transformation and the importance of the 12-step program. He maintains that his entire successful acting career is a direct result of his decision to get clean.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell sought help for a cocaine addiction in 1999 and has since been open about her participation in Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous. She has admitted that her substance use was a way to cope with the pressures of the modeling industry and the abandonment issues from her childhood. Campbell has credited the recovery community for helping her manage her anger and find a more stable path in life. She continues to be a vocal advocate for addiction treatment and mental health support.
Gary Busey
Gary Busey struggled with a severe cocaine addiction for many years, which culminated in a near-fatal overdose in 1995. He has spoken about that moment as a “rebirth” that allowed him to finally leave the drug behind and seek a healthier life. Busey has also discussed how a significant brain injury from a motorcycle accident impacted his impulse control and complicated his recovery journey. He remains candid about the “devils” he faced in his past and the importance of spiritual health.
Keith Urban
Keith Urban entered a treatment facility for alcohol and drug addiction in 2006, just months after his marriage to Nicole Kidman. He has credited Kidman’s intervention for saving his life and helping him break a cycle of addiction that had plagued him for years. Urban has been sober ever since and often discusses the challenges of staying clean while touring in the music industry. He has become a source of inspiration for many in the country music world, emphasizing that recovery has made him a better husband and artist.
Amber Valletta
Amber Valletta began her recovery journey at age 25 after realizing that her addiction to drugs and alcohol was going to kill her. She has been sober for over 25 years and has spoken candidly about the “shame” she felt during her active addiction. Valletta noted that her substance use began in her early teens and worsened as her modeling career took off. She now uses her platform to advocate for more resources and understanding for those struggling with the disease of addiction.
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen’s battles with substance use were highly publicized for years, often overshadowing his professional work in shows like ‘Two and a Half Men’. In 2017, he made a public commitment to sobriety and has since shared his progress and the “miracle” of his recovery. Sheen has noted that his decision to change was motivated by a desire to be more present for his children and to reclaim his health. He continues to speak about the challenges of long-term recovery and the importance of daily accountability.
Billy Joel
Billy Joel has been open about his struggles with alcoholism, which led to multiple stays in treatment facilities like the Betty Ford Center. He has discussed how he used alcohol to “drown” his problems during the early and middle parts of his career. Joel has experienced several relapses over the years but has remained committed to his health and his music. He has been reported as being sober for the last several years, focusing on his family and his ongoing residency at Madison Square Garden.
What are your thoughts on these celebrities’ journeys and the impact of their transparency on the public’s perception of recovery? Share your thoughts in the comments.