Celebrity Recovery Stories

Yasmin Maghsoudloo
Mar 8
5 min read

Celebrity Recovery Stories

Celebrity recovery has often been thrust into a harsh and unflattering spotlight. Media outlets, paparazzi, and the public at large tend to obsess over the struggles of famous individuals, frequently with undertones of ridicule.

However, as more celebrities have chosen to share their experiences with addiction and recovery, the narrative around these stories is evolving. Gone are the days when reports of a celebrity entering rehab were steeped in blame, shame, and judgment.

Instead, these stories highlight that fame and wealth do not shield individuals from pain and challenges. Despite intense public scrutiny, many celebrities have overcome their struggles, inspiring countless others in the process.

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor was a trailblazer in openly addressing her addiction and advocating for recovery. Her dependency on prescription painkillers began after a spinal surgery, and she also battled alcohol addiction.

In 1983, Taylor made headlines by announcing her admission to the Betty Ford Center, the first treatment facility established by Betty Ford. Her decision to go public helped destigmatize addiction treatment during a time when such matters were rarely discussed, even in private.

Though her illustrious career and life have since ended, Taylor demonstrated that recovery is attainable—even for public figures. As noted on ElizabethTaylor.com, her openness and honesty "brought millions of people out of the darkness of shame and into the brilliance of healing."

Jamie Lee Curtis

Jamie Lee Curtis struggled privately with an addiction to alcohol and prescription drugs, particularly Vicodin, which she began taking after a minor plastic surgery. Her secret habit persisted for years until a friend discovered her use and encouraged her to seek help. Curtis also took pills from her sister, who ultimately supported her recovery journey.

Curtis has maintained her sobriety since 1999 and publicly shared her story two years later. Despite initial fears of losing acting roles and sponsorships, her candidness was met with widespread support. She has since become a steadfast advocate for recovery, even hosting meetings on her film sets.

Her openness and dedication to the recovery community have made Curtis a source of inspiration for both celebrities and the general public navigating their own paths to sobriety.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper turned to alcohol, drugs, and “mean humor” as a way to fit in with the Los Angeles acting scene. However, his efforts backfired, making him less popular rather than more.

In 2004, his friend Will Arnett staged an intervention to help him recognize the severity of his addiction. A pivotal moment came when Cooper neglected his dog for an entire day due to his cocaine use. This wake-up call inspired him to focus on sobriety, and he has remained sober for nearly 20 years.

Sobriety allowed Cooper to build self-esteem and confidence without relying on substances. Today, he is known for his generosity, charm, and kindness.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. was first introduced to drugs at age six when his father gave him marijuana. The two continued to use various substances together throughout his childhood. This early exposure led Downey Jr. into a cycle of addiction that masked its damaging effects on his life.

Over the years, Downey Jr. was arrested multiple times for drug-related offenses and even spent a year in prison. Following his third arrest, he entered rehab and has maintained sobriety since. A recent documentary about his late father explores his history of addiction and recovery.

Sobriety enabled Downey Jr. to rebuild his life and achieve immense success in his career. He openly shares his recovery journey to inspire others and promote the benefits of sobriety.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe, widely recognized as Harry Potter, used alcohol to cope with the pressures of fame and the scrutiny that came with his iconic role. Drinking became his way to escape being constantly observed and judged, leading to years of excessive alcohol use.

As the film series concluded, Radcliffe continued drinking to manage his identity crisis. With the support of friends, he began his sobriety journey in 2010 and has remained sober since. Today, Radcliffe thrives in new roles outside the wizarding world.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan’s acting career was marked by legal issues and substance abuse. Alcohol, which she described as her gateway drug, led her to experiment with cocaine as part of the party scene.

After receiving her first DUI at age 20, Lohan faced 20 court appearances for drug and alcohol-related offenses between 2007 and 2012. A judge-ordered rehab stint in 2012 proved to be a turning point.

Following her recovery, Lohan relocated to the UAE for a quieter life and has since resumed acting while helping others on their sobriety journeys.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore battled drugs and alcohol from as young as nine years old, entering rehab twice by age 12. After a suicide attempt and continued substance use, she was hospitalized for 18 months. Her struggles with addiction and mental health initially hampered her acting career.

After her hospital stay, Barrymore emancipated from her parents and eventually rebuilt her career. Following her second divorce in 2016, she turned to alcohol to numb her pain. However, rehab and her daughters helped her regain sobriety.

Now, Barrymore uses her platform, including The Drew Barrymore Show, to encourage conversations about mental health and addiction.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck rose to fame in the 1990s but struggled with alcoholism throughout his career. He entered rehab in 2001, 2017, and 2018, with his drinking worsening after his 2016 divorce.

Despite some relapses, Affleck has remained committed to recovery, finding strength in a 12-step program. He openly discusses his journey, saying that while alcoholism is part of his life, it doesn’t define him entirely.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato’s struggle with addiction began at 13, when she was prescribed opioids after a car accident. Later, bullying and early fame led her to use cocaine at 17. She also grappled with self-harm, an eating disorder, and bipolar disorder, entering treatment for the first time in 2010.

Lovato stayed sober for six years but experienced a near-fatal heroin overdose in 2018. Though she initially adopted a “California sober” approach—using weed and alcohol in moderation—she eventually embraced full sobriety.

Today, Lovato approaches recovery humbly, sharing her story to inspire others.

John Mulaney

Comedian John Mulaney entered rehab in December 2020 after struggling with addiction to cocaine and prescription pain pills. He maintained his habit through creative methods, such as exploiting lax doctors and reselling items for drug money.

Initially worried about public backlash, Mulaney found that people reacted with compassion. This reflects society’s evolving understanding of addiction.

Friends’ interventions helped him seek treatment, and after three years of sobriety, Mulaney says he no longer fears others’ opinions, focusing instead on self-acceptance.

Inspiring Recovery

Celebrities’ struggles with addiction show their humanity and emphasize that recovery requires personal effort, not fame or wealth. These stories highlight the importance of support systems and professional treatment in overcoming addiction. Anyone, regardless of status, can embark on a recovery journey.