Celebrities Recovering Out Loud
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One of my favorite parts of our collective work to end the stigma around addiction and sobriety is when people, including celebrities, speak up about quitting drinking and or drugs.
Sobriety can often feel isolating; sometimes we feel like the only ones in the room not partaking. But, it’s important to recognize we are not alone. A 2021 Gallup poll says a little over 60% of Americans consider themselves active drinkers, which means that almost 40% AREN’T drinking!
And celebs are no exception. There are heaps of celebrities who openly speak about sobriety, addiction, and recovery. And I don’t know about you, but anytime I read about another celeb raising their hand to say “yea, me too. I’m right here with you,” I feel an immediate connection. I think to myself: They get it.
Most of us know the celebrities who famously hit rock bottom and began recovery in the public eye. Robert Downey Jr., Demi Lovato, Ben Affleck, Abby Wombach. I can’t imagine how isolating and scary it would be to experience my darkest days while the public had a front row seat. But some of these celebs used their platform to build awareness, to support, and to end the stigma. While I think it might be easier to keep a distance from our mistakes or struggles, some celebs speak openly — and I’m so proud and inspired. Here are a few of my favorite redemption stories:
Most recently, Hayden Panettiere opened up about her addiction to opioids and alcohol. We saw first hand as she sent her daughter to live with her ex, followed by paparazzi pics of her partying and even a public brawl caught on camera. Hayden went to rehab for eight months and she sees things more clearly now. She also recognizes that she needs to work on recovery every day, and she doesn’t want to take life for granted ever again.
"This hasn't been easy and there were a lot of ups and downs. But I don't regret even the ugliest things that have happened to me. I feel incredibly accomplished. And I feel like I have a second chance." - Hayden
Dax Shepard was very public about his sobriety, and in 2020 he opened up about a relapse after 16 years sober. His podcast episode at 7 days sober was one of the most empowering things I’ve ever heard on why we need to work recovery like a muscle. You can hear the fear and vulnerability in his voice and it takes me right back to my first week, as well.
“This has been like a second chance to confront all those things that have been building up. And today I feel better with six months [of sobriety] than I had felt at 15 years.” - Dax
Jessica Simpson’s candor on addiction and recovery in her book, Open Book, felt especially enlightening as she wasn’t someone I ever saw coming. I really loved how openly she spoke about her addiction to alcohol and pills, and her struggles with body image her whole life.
“I didn’t love myself. I didn’t respect my own power. Today I do. I have made nice with the fears and I have accepted the parts of my life that are just sad. I am wildly honest and comfortably open. I am free.
Chrissy Teigen is another one I never saw coming. While I thought she was naturally outgoing and gregarious, she surprised me in December 2020 by talking about her sobriety. While she drank since then, she recently revealed she’s now one year sober and realizes alcohol was not serving her.
There are pictures from huge moments in life where my eyes just look … gone. Some are from real work shoots, some just beach days with the family. While I honestly STILL don’t know if I’ll never have a drink again, I do know I never want to be that way again. And for now, none is best. - Chrissy
I hope celebrities continue to be open and vocal about sobriety and recovery. It can be wildly affirming to meet others in our sober journey. And while we might never ‘meet’ these celebrities, we all share a similar life journey and daily goal and in recovery, it’s all about connection.
Which sober celebrity most inspires you? Which celeb most surprised you?
I loved Jessica Simpsons’s book. I was so moved by it. She’s talented and brave!
My personal favorite recovery memoir: It’s So Easy, by Duff McKagan. I’ve read it a few times and my husband enjoyed it too!