Legacy Healing Center Blog

Many Top Celebrities Have Struggled with Addiction and Come Out to Share Their Stories.

As we all know, the disease of addiction does not discriminate.  Addiction does not care if you are rich or poor, young or old, thriving in your career or struggling to get a foothold in the world.  The fact that some of the most successful people in the world have struggled with substance abuse is testament to the fact that the disease of addiction can affect anyone.

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Fortunately, many celebrities who have recovered from drug and alcohol abuse have used their platform to bring awareness to the disease of addiction and offer hope and guidance to others.  Read on to learn more about celebrities who have struggled with, and ultimately overcome, their battles with addiction.

Russell Brand

While mostly known for his quirky roles in many blockbusters, this comedic genius struggled with alcohol and heroin addiction for years.  With the encouragement of his manager, he enrolled in a 12-step program which helped jump start his recovery.  His success in recovery inspired him to write a book, “Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions” where he shares his spin on the traditional 12 steps of recovery.  In an interview with The Los Angeles Times, Russell speaks about how meditation has been instrumental in helping him in recovery, “It gives you a beautiful serenity.  It’s a cornerstone of recovery because it changes consciousness.”

Robert Downey Jr.

Before we knew him as Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr’s addictions were put on public display several times through arrests, escapes from rehabs, and even being found passed out in his neighbor’s son’s bed.  After spending a year in prison, Downey made the decision to enter rehab and has since been clean.  When asked what he has learned from his time in prison and rehab, Downey told Vanity Fair, “Job one is get out of that cave.  A lot of people do get out but don’t change.  So, the thing is to get out and recognize the significance of that aggressive denial of your fate, come through the crucible forged into a stronger metal.”

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck’s struggle with alcohol was very publicly brought to light when his marriage to Jennifer Garner was dissolving in 2015.  In a candid interview with The New York Times, Affleck reflected on the guilt he felt for how his marriage ended, “Shame is really toxic.  There is no positive byproduct of shame.  It’s just stewing in a toxic, hideous feeling of low self-worth and self-loathing.  But you’ve got to pick yourself up, learn from it, learn some more, and try to move forward.”

Bradley Cooper 

Cooper, who has been sober since 2004, has been a huge asset to other celebrities in recovery.  Both Robert Downey Jr. and Ben Affleck have gushed over the support they received from him on their journey to recovery.  This speaks to the importance of having a strong support system in your corner.  In an interview with Barbara Walters, Cooper said, “I would never be sitting with you, no way, no chance, [if I hadn’t gotten sober].

Drew Barrymore

Growing up in the spotlight is no walk in the park, and often child stars have access to drugs and alcohol at a very young age, eventually resulting in addiction. This was the case for the young Drew Barrymore who’s first stint at rehab was at just 12 years old.  After a couple trips to rehab, Drew, has created quite the life for herself in recovery.  She’s had several hit movies, a makeup line, a daytime talk show, and two beautiful daughters.  “Life is very interesting… in the end, some of your greatest pains become your greatest strengths”, she said when reflecting on her life in recovery.

Jamie Lee Curtis

While Jamie Lee Curtis’ struggle with Vicodin and alcohol was not as public as others on this list, she has been very open about her battle with addiction.  She revealed that she was two years sober when she landed a cover story for Redbook.  While reflecting during an interview for the story, a lightbulb went off.  Her success and personal growth were due in large part to the fact that she was sober, a revelation she had not publicly shared until that time.  She stated that “stepping over the line of anonymity into a public conversation has been therapeutic”.

Keith Urban

The country music superstar turned to cocaine and alcohol beginning in 1992 when his career did not take off the way he had envisioned.  Over the years, his substance abuse spiraled out of control until 2006, when his new wife, Nicole Kidman, staged an intervention prompting him to enter rehab and get sober. About the decision to get treatment he has said, “I was going to lose it all.  It was like, if I don’t choose this moment to do the right thing and do something that’s going to give me life, all of the things I’m scared of losing, I’m going to lose anyway.”

Daniel Radcliffe 

Despite his role in the wildly successful Harry Potter series, Radcliffe struggled with alcoholism.  In an interview with Indie Wire, he said, “A lot of drinking happened towards the end of Potter and for a little bit after it finished, it was panic, a little bit not knowing what to do next-not being comfortable enough in who I was to remain sober.”

Carrie Fisher

Famous for her role as Princess Leia in Star Wars, Carrie Fisher’s struggle with addiction was also well known.  Fisher often spoke openly about her battle to beat addiction, which ultimately contributed to her fatal heart attack in 2016.  Fisher was an incredible asset to the mental health community due to her willingness to share her experiences with both Bipolar disorder and addiction, neither of which get enough attention in popular media.  Fisher famously said of recovery, “Sometimes you can only find Heaven by slowly backing away from Hell”.

Edie Falco

Edie Falco’s real-life experiences with addiction have helped her in her role in the HBO series Nurse Jackie. With 20 years of sobriety under her belt, she attributes the life lessons she learned battling alcoholism to her success in portraying her character.  When asked about her experience getting sober, Falco said, “Its like learning to ride a bike, you know?  You have to get your bearings and you have to stay stable”.

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, you are not alone.  Countless people, from celebrities to people you interact with in your daily life, have been where you are.  If you’re considering whether treatment for drug or alcohol abuse may be the next right step for you, please reach out to the intake specialists at Legacy Healing Center today.  Our specialists are available to help 24/7 and your call is always confidential.  Don’t delay, let our team of experienced clinicians help you start your recovery now!  Call today, (888)534-2295 or visit us on the web at www.legacyhealing.com.