Unbeknown to many, addictions do not discriminate. Like many other mental health problems, addictions can affect people from all demographics throughout their lifetime.
For this very reason, it is natural for those of celebrity status to be among those who find themselves battling addiction.
This blog shares the inspiring stories of five celebrities who struggled with addiction and have maintained their sobriety following treatment.
Aged just 7 years old, Drew Barrymore shot to stardom following her role in Steven Spielberg’s classic movie E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in 1982.
Despite being a national sweetheart, the following years were not plain sailing for young Barrymore. Not only did she develop a problematic relationship with her family, who introduced her to parties, but the pre-teen found herself reliant on drugs and alcohol.
Before her 14th birthday, her mother admitted her to an inpatient rehabilitation facility for treatment. Barrymore describes the facility as grueling yet life-saving.
Her support system at the clinic helped her understand how unhealthy her relationship with her mother was. In doing so, she made the difficult decision to file for legal emancipation from her parents. This step was instrumental in helping Barrymore overcome her addiction.
Since completing treatment, Barrymore has maintained her sobriety and now lives a thriving life as an actress, producer, and mother.
Daniel Radcliffe shot to fame at 11 years old for his portrayal of Harry Potter in the film adaptations of the well-loved book series.
As filming concluded, Radcliffe found the pressure of public attention difficult to endure, causing him to struggle with depressive feelings and low self-esteem. In a bid to cope, he turned to excessive drinking.
In 2015, Radcliffe acknowledged his alcoholism and secured help. With the support of friends and family, he was able to overcome his addiction. He says that sobriety has given him a new lease of life, and he still enjoys taking a long walk every day, a habit that began in the early stages of his recovery.
Best known for his side-cracking portrayal of New Yorker Chandler Bing in the late 1990s and early 2000s comedy series Friends, Mathew Perry is open about his struggles with addiction.
Though Perry's struggles with substances began with alcohol, following an accident, he became reliant on Vicodin, a painkiller prescribed to ease mild to moderate pain.
Since filming Friends, Perry has completed extensive treatment for his addiction, which has enabled him to maintain his sobriety. Known for being warm and supportive to fans who also struggle with the same problem, Perry often offers words of advice and encouragement to help them in their recovery journey.
As with many other Americans, talented musician Mary J. Blige’s addiction troubles can be traced back to childhood sexual abuse.
Exacerbated by the difficulty of growing up in the deprived Schlobohm Housing Projects in Yonkers, New York, this traumatic event left Blige unable to cope throughout her teenage years.
Stating that support was almost impossible to access in this environment, the death of esteemed fellow musician Whitney Houston in 2008 was a wake-up call for Blige.
With the help of her loving husband, Kendu Isaacs, she has since addressed her trauma and overcome her reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Singing sensation Adele has also been open about her previous struggles with alcoholism.
The star behind hits, including Hello, Chasing Pavements, and Make You Feel My Love, would struggle with anxiety before performances. Worried about her appearance, Adele drank to reduce pessimistic feelings, which gradually led to alcohol addiction.
Adele described hitting rock bottom when she went on stage so intoxicated that she forgot the words to one of her songs. This moment saw her address her problematic relationship with alcohol and realize that she had developed a substance use disorder.
In 2009, Adele quit drinking with the support of those around her, and she now encourages others to seek help.
If you or a loved one struggles with substance use or mental health issues, seek professional help. Reach out to a professional treatment provider as soon as possible or contact Cirque Lodge. Addiction and mental health issues are progressive. They worsen the longer a person goes without treatment. Early intervention and treatment are crucial for long-term recovery success.
