10 Quotes from Celebrities Who Have Recovered from Drug and Alcohol Addiction
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 platforms to raise awareness about addiction, highlighting the importance of understanding the different Substance Abuse Levels of Care available. Their stories offer hope and guidance to others on the path to recovery. Read on to discover how these public figures have faced – and ultimately overcome – their struggles 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 he became known to the world as Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr.’s struggles with addiction played out in the public eye—marked by multiple arrests, escapes from treatment facilities, and even being found unconscious in a neighbor’s child’s bed. After serving a year in prison, he made the life-changing decision to seek help at a Luxury Rehab Centre, and has remained clean ever since. Reflecting on his experience with prison and recovery, 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 far from easy, and many child stars are exposed to drugs and alcohol at an alarmingly young age, often leading to addiction. This was true for a young Drew Barrymore, who entered an Alcohol Rehab Centre for the first time at just 12 years old. After multiple stints in rehab, Drew has gone on to build an inspiring life in recovery. She’s starred in several hit movies, launched a successful makeup line, hosts her own daytime talk show, and is the proud mother of two daughters. Reflecting on her journey, she once said, “Life is very interesting… in the end, some of your greatest pains become your greatest strengths.
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 began using cocaine and alcohol in 1992 after his career failed to take off as he had hoped. Over time, his substance abuse worsened, reaching a breaking point in 2006. That year, his new wife, Nicole Kidman, staged an intervention that led him to seek Cocaine Addiction Treatment and enter rehab. Reflecting on his decision to get help, he 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.
