There are over 14 million adults in the United States who suffer from an alcohol use disorder or alcoholism. This is a serious problem that affects everyone, even famous alcoholics. Whether that is due to the pressure of their lifestyle, or because they are at a higher risk of drug and alcohol addiction, many stars continue to abuse alcohol. Those in need can find support at an alcohol rehabilitation center. Incredible musician, five-time Grammy Award winner, is remembered for songs like “Rehab,” which famously explains that she will not go to rehab for her addictions.
His coping mechanisms, unfortunately, included alcohol misuse and drug misuse, leading to a prolonged struggle that spanned over a decade. It was only after realising the detrimental impact of his drinking habits and substance misuse on his life and those around him that Pitt decided to seek treatment and embrace a sober life. Even the most decorated Olympic athletes can struggle with addiction, including 18-time gold medalist Michael Phelps, 33. In 2014, after his second DUI arrest, Phelps entered himself into a 6-week inpatient rehab. So is continuing to use despite intervention by law enforcement.
British actor known for his role as Jon Snow in the TV series Game of Thrones is one of the many celebrities with depression and alcohol abuse disorder. His addiction exacerbated his already fragile mental health, leading to episodes of psychosis and hospitalization. Despite attempts at sobriety, van Gogh continued to struggle with addiction throughout his life, which ultimately contributed to his suicide in 1890. When it comes to famous alcoholics in history, the story of the American astronaut Buzz Aldrin who was the second person to walk on the moon is one worth sharing. After being part of such a monumental moment, Aldrin’s life deteriorated, and he caved into depression and alcoholism.
Stephen King, Buzz Aldrin (the second man on the moon), and Samuel L. Jackson are modern examples of high-functioning alcoholics who sought help and who are alive today. Discover some of the most famous high-functioning alcoholics in this infographic by JourneyPure At The River. Our psychiatrists are available to manage and oversee any necessary medication treatments. They work closely with clients to monitor their progress and make adjustments as needed, ensuring that each individual’s physical and mental health are optimized throughout their recovery journey. Downey faced numerous legal troubles, including several high-profile arrests for drug possession. Despite his immense talent, his substance abuse problems made it difficult for him to maintain steady work in Hollywood.
The following year, he told Rolling Stone he gave up alcohol because he was “sick of waking up with a dry throat, sick of feeling bloated and sick of the decisions” he made while under the influence. If I hadn’t finally taken the big step of asking for help 30 years ago, I’d be dead,” he wrote on Instagram in 2020 to commemorate three decades of sobriety. Teigen’s sobriety journey was partially influenced by the fact that she had been canceled in 2021 over several allegations of cyberbullying.
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- Carrie Fisher passed away on December 27, 2016, at the age of 60.
- Downey Jr. has since used his platform to advocate for others struggling with addiction, offering hope and highlighting the possibility of redemption and transformation.
- Celebrities have multiple reasons to start abusing alcohol, such as turning to drink as a coping mechanism to fight the pressure or the unpreparedness when they enter the world of stardom.
- Here are some of the most well known individuals that battled alcohol abuse disorder.
- Falco, who is also known for playing Carmela on The Sopranos, now celebrates 25 years of sobriety from alcohol addiction.
In 2024, the Florence + The Machine frontwoman revealed in a Spotify Original podcast, The Way We Are with Munroe Bergdorf, that she had been sober for eight years. It comes as she recalled her early days with the band, when she realized that during their rise to fame, she had issues with alcohol. Often high-functioning alcoholics feel “locked in” to their drinking because famous alcoholics they worry that when the alcohol stops, so will their success. One of the most famous classic Hollywood stars, Elizabeth Taylor spent over three decades of her career addicted to alcohol and painkillers. She became the first celebrity to openly admit herself to rehab at the Betty Ford Center in 1983. The infographic below shares the story of ten of the most famous high-functioning alcoholics in history, and how they either turned their life around or succumbed to their alcoholism.
Encouraged by his friend Elton John, Joel made the brave decision to seek treatment. In deciding to become sober, Bradley Cooper took a definitive step towards reclaiming control of his life. The decision marked a turning point, not just in his health but in his career as well. Sobriety brought a newfound clarity and focus, allowing him to pursue his passion for acting with an intensity and dedication that had been previously unattainable. Start your recovery journey with peace of mind, knowing your care is covered.
- Anne Hathaway announced she was giving up alcohol in a January 2019 interview.
- The hope is for all celebrities to seek treatment before it is too late.
- In 2023, a person close to the singer confirmed she is still living an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle.
- Country crooner Keith Urban entered rehab twice for his struggles with substance abuse — the second time being in 2006 at his wife’s insistence.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens blog, in 2018, wrote about Phelps’s co-occurring disorders – struggling to manage his depression while abusing drugs and alcohol. After filming Miami Vice, Colin Farrell, 43, admitted that he “didn’t want to live” due, in large part, to the stress of his drug and alcohol addiction. Rehab, however, helped completely change his life and helped him to mend relationships broken by years of substance abuse. In 2018, the Dumbo actor even went back to a $36,000 per month treatment facility for help managing substance abuse cravings before he might relapse.
Drunkorexia
Celebrities have multiple reasons to start abusing alcohol, such as turning to drink as a coping mechanism to fight the pressure or the unpreparedness when they enter the world of stardom. Having lived his life in the spotlight for decades, Robert Downey Jr. famously and very publicly struggled with alcohol and drug abuse in the 1990s. The actor also did time at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Center and State Prison as a result of his addictions. Since embracing a healthier lifestyle, McGraw has continued to thrive in his career, releasing hit albums and embarking on successful tours. Beyond his professional success, McGraw’s journey to sobriety has enriched his personal life, allowing him to enjoy a deeper connection with his family and a greater appreciation for his experiences.
One of the leading lights in the Romantic Movement and arguably one of the most influential English poets of all time, Lord Byron was known for spending big and partying hard. Being the father of western philosophy may not have happened if it hadn’t been for the Ancient Greek tradition of holding symposia. At a symposium, men would dine together and then drink into the night discussing the big ideas of the time. Tragically, Fisher died of a heart attack in December 2016.
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Unlike other celebrities, Stephen King has never tried to hide his struggles with alcohol or has a reason to believe that he should hide it. Instead, the writer fully embraces it and considers it a part of his health journey that he successfully won with professional help. In addition to playing the highly popular role of Princess Leia in the Star Wars series, many people know Carrie Fisher as one of the most famous alcoholic actresses who publicly shared their struggles. In 2008, the actress released a book- “Wishful Drinking,” in which she talked about her long-lasting struggles with alcohol use. Fisher also mentioned that she started relying on alcohol as a coping mechanism but realized that it was only worsening her deep-seated issues.
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From the deteriorating physical signs of alcoholism to the onset of diseases linked with excessive drinking, like alcohol-induced cancers, the health impacts can be severe. Robert’s experience with alcohol addiction is quite well-known since he remains one of the most highly-paid celebrities in the acting world. While the world remembers him for his amazing roles, he was not in a shape to act only a few years ago due to his severe drug and alcohol addiction. In 1996, Robert was arrested after the police found him possessing cocaine and heroin. Following such incidents, the actor decided to seek help from yoga, meditation, 12-step programs, and therapy to achieve sobriety.
Demi Lovato, a powerhouse vocalist, has been open about her battles with substance abuse. Through her music and interviews, Demi has shared her challenges and her journey towards sobriety, inspiring countless fans. The tales of famous alcoholics serve as poignant reminders of the pitfalls of fame.
Many people become too enchanted by the sudden attention they get and quickly involve in substance abuse, including alcoholism, while others may use it as a coping mechanism to handle pressure. Children are particularly vulnerable to developing alcoholism as fame lets them enter the adult world when they are not fully prepared to handle it. Most famous people with alcoholism prefer joining secluded, highly luxurious rehabs to seek help for their ongoing alcohol-related issues.
As a child actor, Lohan’s battle with drug and alcohol use has been in front of the public for a long time. She had to fight to get her management back from her troubling parents, eventually forcing her to land in the hospital. The situation worsened when most Hollywood producers deemed her unreliable for work due to her series of arrests and multiple visits to addiction rehabs. Peer pressure also remains a significant factor that pushes many people into this deep pit of addiction. The list of famous alcoholics is long and includes some very famous names. While some of these people successfully sought help and overcame their alcohol use, others were not so lucky.
Robert Downey Jr
He eventually attended an inpatient rehab program and was able to get sober. Additionally, they are met with treatment providers who can understand the stresses they face being in the public eye. It can be incredibly difficult to suffer through mental health or abuse disorders alone. Going to a treatment program where they feel understood can make it a lot easier. Betty Ford, former First Lady and wife to President Gerald Ford, was an outspoken proponent of the feminist movement.