The Most Famous Celebs Who Went to Rehab

Rehab is more common in Hollywood than many people realize. Fame brings pressure and access that can magnify personal struggles, and rehab becomes a critical reset for a lot of stars. When public figures open up about treatment, it can help others feel less alone and more willing to seek support.

The stories below are not about scandal. They are about people choosing recovery and learning how to live healthier lives in the spotlight. Some found sobriety after one stay. Others needed multiple rounds. All of them remind us that healing is a process and that asking for help is a strength.

Robert Downey Jr.

Before he became the face of ‘Iron Man’, Robert Downey Jr. spent years cycling through arrests and headlines tied to addiction. Rehab was part of that long road, and he has spoken about how structure and support helped him rebuild his life.

His comeback is one of the most inspiring in modern Hollywood. From ‘Sherlock Holmes’ to big franchise success, he shows that sustained recovery can unlock new chapters both on screen and off.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato entered treatment as a young star and has been candid about relapses and renewed efforts. Their openness about addiction and mental health turned a private struggle into a public dialogue that helps fans.

Music and advocacy remain central to their story. By sharing lessons from recovery and setbacks, Demi keeps modeling what ongoing care and community can look like.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck has sought treatment multiple times and has talked about the role of family and accountability. He has described addiction as something that requires daily attention and honest support.

Despite the challenges, he has continued to direct and act in major films like ‘Argo’ and ‘The Town’. His willingness to speak plainly about recovery adds needed realism to celebrity narratives.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan rose fast with hits like ‘Mean Girls’ and then faced a very public struggle that included stints in rehab. She has since focused on stability and selective projects.

Her recent return to screens shows the power of patience and personal reset. Growth does not always follow a straight line, and her journey reflects that truth.

Britney Spears

At the height of intense media scrutiny, Britney Spears entered rehab amid a turbulent period in her life. The attention around her challenges helped shift conversations about privacy and mental health.

In the years since, she has spoken about boundaries and autonomy. Her story underscores how crucial compassionate support systems are for anyone in the spotlight.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore entered rehab in her teens and later wrote and spoke about that chapter with uncommon clarity. She reframed a difficult past into lessons about resilience and self care.

Her career thrived afterward with films like ‘Never Been Kissed’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels’. She now uses her platform to normalize growth at any age.

Elton John

Elton John sought treatment after years of substance use and has long credited recovery with saving his life. He later became a vocal supporter of wellness and charitable work.

His creative output never slowed. Tours, albums, and the biopic ‘Rocketman’ kept his legacy in focus while his advocacy made a meaningful impact beyond music.

Eminem

After a near fatal overdose, Eminem pursued treatment and rebuilt his routine around sobriety. He has rapped about the reality of that process with blunt honesty.

The result was renewed focus and a second act that reaffirmed his place in rap. Recovery became part of his artistic voice rather than a hidden footnote.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron sought help in his twenties as fame arrived quickly. He has spoken about cutting out old habits and leaning on fitness and structure as recovery tools.

From ‘High School Musical’ beginnings to varied roles, he shows how stability can widen creative choices. His story resonates with anyone who made big changes early in adulthood.

Charlie Sheen

Charlie Sheen pursued multiple rounds of treatment during a period that played out in full view. Over time he emphasized personal accountability and health.

Beyond the headlines, his body of work on ‘Two and a Half Men’ remains a reminder of his talent. Recovery allowed him to shift the focus back to craft and family.

Carrie Fisher

Carrie Fisher was ahead of her time in discussing addiction and bipolar disorder. She sought rehab and later turned lived experience into sharp writing and advocacy.

Her role as Leia in ‘Star Wars’ is iconic, yet her candid humor about recovery may be her greatest gift. She showed that honesty can be both healing and hilarious.

Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry went to rehab more than once and spoke vulnerably about the dangers of prescription drug misuse. He used his platform to encourage treatment and to help others.

Best known for ‘Friends’, he also worked to support recovery communities. His openness changed how many people talk about pain, relapse, and hope.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams checked into rehab after a relapse and later returned for aftercare to support ongoing sobriety. He often highlighted the importance of community and humility in the process.

His brilliance in ‘Good Will Hunting’ and ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ made millions laugh and cry. His dedication to getting help reminded fans that even beloved figures need care.

Russell Brand

Russell Brand’s journey includes rehab and a long commitment to sobriety. He discussed spirituality, service, and practical steps that keep him grounded.

His comedic career and roles like ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ continued while he shared tools for recovery. He turned personal history into guidance for anyone seeking change.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston entered rehab during a difficult stretch and faced immense pressure tied to fame and relationships. Her voice defined an era and her struggles were deeply human.

Her legacy is built on songs that still soar. Remembering her also means acknowledging how essential compassionate treatment and long term support can be.

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse’s talent was undeniable and her struggles were widely known. Rehab was part of her attempt to find balance while navigating sudden global fame.

Her music remains raw and timeless. Her story continues to inspire better understanding of addiction and the need for sustained care.

Nicole Richie

Nicole Richie went to rehab in the early two thousands and later focused on wellness and family. She described how small daily choices add up in recovery.

From ‘The Simple Life’ to fashion and business, she shifted her public image through steady work. Her example shows that change often arrives through quiet consistency.

Melanie Griffith

Melanie Griffith has been open about multiple stays in treatment. She credits professional help and supportive relationships for keeping her centered.

Her performances in films like ‘Working Girl’ remain beloved. By sharing her experience, she helped normalize returning to treatment when needed.

Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes entered a treatment facility during a stressful period and later emphasized privacy and self care. She refocused her life around family and creative projects.

Her turn in ‘Hitch’ and other films showed her range. Choosing help at the right time allowed her to protect her health and future work.

Shia LaBeouf

Shia LaBeouf has sought rehab and therapy while addressing behavior linked to alcohol use. He later spoke about accountability and making amends.

From early fame to adult roles like ‘Transformers’, his career has spanned genres. Recovery gave him a framework to pursue growth beyond the screen.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez has spent time in treatment centers for physical and mental health needs. She has championed therapy and honest conversations about anxiety and depression.

Her work on ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ and her music career built a huge audience. Using that reach to support others might be her most important role.

John Mulaney

John Mulaney entered rehab in twenty twenty and talked about starting over with humility. He has since shared parts of that story through stand up.

His writing and performances on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and his voice work on ‘Big Mouth’ kept fans engaged. Recovery gave him a new perspective that feeds his comedy.

Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler sought treatment multiple times and credits recovery with keeping him creative and alive. He also encouraged others in the music world to get help.

Beyond Aerosmith, he reached new audiences as a judge on ‘American Idol’. His long term sobriety work shows how community and structure can sustain a career.

Kate Moss

Kate Moss went to rehab during the nineties as the fashion world watched closely. She later built a successful business life alongside modeling.

Her influence reshaped style for a generation. Seeking help allowed her to redefine herself on her own terms.

Kesha

Kesha entered a treatment facility to address an eating disorder and later spoke about healing and self respect. She has been clear about the importance of medical care and supportive teams.

Her return to music proved both powerful and personal. By telling her story she helped fans see recovery as brave and achievable.

Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which stories of recovery have inspired you the most.