Today, we have a long list of inspiring sober celebrities as many high-profile celebrities have bravely shared their personal journeys to sobriety, providing hope and inspiration to others struggling with addiction. The recent defamation case between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard has dominated social media feeds and news headlines alike. Amid the global spectacle, Johnny Depp’s drug abuse, as well as his numerous attempts at sobriety have been discussed in depth during the trial. Drug abuse in Hollywood is nothing new but this serves as a stark reminder that at the end of the day, celebrities are also just people and that addiction affects even the rich and famous.
Celebrities That Chose a Sober Life :
Although cocaine and champagne seem synonymous with Hollywood’s glitz and glamour, these celebrities have chosen the sober life :
Kit Harrington:
The 35-year-old Game Of Thrones actor began realising his struggle with alcohol when the hit series ended in 2019. He checked himself into rehab, where he says he was treated for “mainly alcohol.” In an interview with Vanity Fair, the actor revealed “You get to a place where you feel like you are a bad person, you feel like you are a shameful person. And you feel that there’s no way out, that’s just who you are. And getting sober is the process of going, ‘No, I can change.’
Drew Barrymore:
Drew Barrymore has grown up in the spotlight and has never been shy to openly discuss her struggles with addictions. However, at the end of 2021 Barrymore interviewed Machine Gun Kelly on CBS Mornings. During an unplanned conversation, she revealed that she had quietly quit alcohol two years prior, without making it public knowledge. “I breathe a sigh of relief by telling my truth” she later said.
Lena Dunham:
Lena Dunham this year celebrated four years of sobriety from prescription medication. In a candid Instagram post, she wrote: “Sobriety jump-started my relationship with something bigger than myself, restored my infinite curiosity and reminded me of who I had always been. And now I’ve been at it for a full presidential term. If you see me today, matcha is on me.”
Anthony Hopkins:
Anthony Hopkins gave up alcohol in 1975. Now 84 years old, he is celebrating 47 years of sobriety. In a heartfelt video posted on Twitter on 29 December 2020, he says “Young people, don’t give up. Just keep in there, just keep fighting. Be bold, and mighty forces will come to your aid. That’s sustained me through my life.”
Elton John:
In his younger days, Sir Elton John suffered from a myriad of addictions and eating disorders including bulimia, drug abuse, and shopping addiction. In an exclusive interview with Variety Magazine in 2019, he noted: “What I couldn’t do when I was an addict was communicate, except when I was on cocaine. I thought I could but I talked rubbish.” He has now been clean and sober for over 30 years.
Nikki Minaj:
In what could have turned into a flame war of note, Nikki Minaj truthfully responded to a Twitter follower asking if she was high. The 39-year-old musician tweeted “No I’m sober and loving life.” In a follow-up tweet, she added, “I used to b[e] happy when I was high. Now I’m happy when I’m sober. No judgement to anyone. Be gentle with yourself.”
Ben Affleck:
Ben Affleck has gone to treatment several times between 2001 and 2018 to address his battle with alcohol abuse, which was related to his relationship struggles. His openness about his ongoing journey has resonated with many.
Robert Downey Jr.:
Robert Downey Jr. famously battled alcohol and drug abuse in the 1990s, but has been open about the importance of changing his behavior to overcome his addictions. His remarkable turnaround has served as an inspiration to many.
Celebrities like Anne Hathaway, Naomi Campbell, and Jada Pinkett Smith have also been open about their journeys to sobriety, underscoring that it was a personal decision that has greatly improved their lives.
Former astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and musician Eric Clapton have all spoken about the challenges but also the immense benefits of giving up alcohol and maintaining their long-term recovery.
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