Natasha Lyonne Confesses Relapse in Emotional Revelation

Natasha Lyonne took to X on Friday, January 23, to reveal to her followers that she has relapsed. The Poker Face star, who became a symbol of resilience after overcoming high-profile struggles with addiction in the early 2000s, shared the news with her characteristic candor and wit.

Took my relapse public more to come, she wrote on Friday night, signaling a desire to remain transparent about her journey. In a heartfelt follow-up post shared hours later, Lyonne reached out to others who might be facing similar battles, emphasizing that the path to sobriety is rarely a straight line.

Recovery is a lifelong process. Anyone out there struggling, remember you’re not alone. Grateful for love & smart feet. Gonna do it for baby Bambo. Stay honest, folks. Sick as our secrets. If no one told ya today, I love you, she shared with her community. Lyonne’s message focused on the power of honesty and the potential for one person’s difficult experience to provide a roadmap for someone else.

The actress also urged her “kiddos” to keep going and not to give up before the “miracle” happens. The mention of “baby Bambo” in her post refers to her upcoming semi-autobiographical film, Bambo, which Lyonne wrote and is set to direct. The story follows a Brooklyn-born boxing promoter in the 1980s who struggles to balance the chaos of his career with his responsibilities as a father.

When a fan reached out to support her openness, Lyonne used the opportunity to call for better support systems and an end to the stigma surrounding substance abuse. We need better systems and to end shame – bill the sacklers & stilettos or something but don’t @ me for getting honest, she replied.

Lyonne’s history with addiction was a major headline during the early years of her career, leading to a 2006 stint in rehab that she later credited with saving her life. In a 2012 interview she admitted how close she came to the edge. It’s weird to talk about. I was definitely as good as dead, you know? A lot of people don’t come back, she said at the time.

Aside from her directorial debut with Bambo, which is slated to begin filming in the summer of 2026 and reportedly eyes Joey King for the lead role, Lyonne has remained a powerhouse in the industry. In early 2025, she launched Asteria, a hybrid film studio focused on ethical AI-assisted filmmaking, and starred in major projects like Marvel’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Fans have also been treated to her recent work in the second season of the hit mystery series Poker Face and her role in Taika Waititi’s adaptation of Klara and the Sun. Additionally, she is currently co-creating and starring in the Sky Original action-comedy Force & Majeure alongside Matt Berry. The series follows an American mercenary and a British art thief as they navigate international villainy across Europe.

Lyonne’s recent admission is being viewed by many as a courageous act of solidarity rather than a setback. Her long-standing commitment to “staying honest” has solidified her as a beloved figure who isn’t afraid to show the world that even a “spectacular comeback” requires constant work and community support.

What do you think about Natasha Lyonne’s decision to take her relapse public, and do you believe her honesty will help change the conversation around addiction in Hollywood? Share your thoughts in the comments.