The disease of addiction can strike anybody–even those who are constantly in the spotlight. On the surface, we may think that celebrities have it all, but beneath the surface they often struggle in coping with fame. Like people from all walks of life, some celebrities may turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with daily pressures–and like many they can become hooked on drugs and alcohol. While some celebrities unfortunately succumb to their addiction, there are many who have overcome addiction and have become role models for those who struggle with substance abuse. The following are 8 celebrities who have beat addiction.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. is one of Hollywood’s finest actors, and he is also been sober for over a decade. A gifted actor who won rave reviews early in his career, he was also equally as well-known for his drug and alcohol abuse and his reckless behavior. In and out of jail throughout the 1990’s, he was effectively blacklisted in Hollywood. In late 2005 he went to treatment and has been clean and sober ever since.
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato is a prime example of how substance abuse can affect young. Not only was Lovato struggling the the pressures associated with her fame, she was also struggling with a dysfunctional family life, substance abuse and bipolar disorder. Five years ago, she checked herself into a drug rehab facility and has remained clean and sober to the present day. Lovato is very outspoken about her struggles with addiction and mental illness and as become a spokesperson for a variety of addiction and mental health causes.
Kirsten Johnson
Best known for her role on the popular NBC sitcom Third Rock from the Sun, Johnson became a star virtually overnight. Like many celebrities before her, Johnson was ill-equipped to handle the immense pressure of fame and turned to substances. Johnson abused prescription painkillers and almost died in a London hotel when a stomach ulcer exploded as a result of her substance abuse. Clean and sober since 2007, she recently released a memoir called Guts which in part chronicled her substance abuse.
Eric Clapton
The iconic guitarist and songwriter endured well-publicized bouts with substance abuse during his career. During the 1970’s, Clapton was deep into heroin addiction and then struggled with alcoholism. In recovery since 1987, Clapton has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to causes that promote treatment and recovery. Clapton has organized and performed in numerous charity concerts for his Crossroads treatment center which he helped found in Antigua.
Bradley Cooper
The star of The Hangover and Silver Linings Playbook has been sober for over a decade. Seeing trouble ahead, Cooper had made the decision toget clean and sober before his acting career blossomed into the stardom he is currently experiencing. He began to attract attention after his role in Wedding Crashers, but felt that his personal life was starting to spiral out of control. Soon after attending rehab, his movie career took off and he approached his celebrity with both clarity and purpose.
Danny Trejo
Best known for his roles in movies such as Desperado and Machete, Trejo has been clean and sober for 47 years. Spending much of his teen and early adult years in and out of jail, Trejo made the decision to get sober in his mid 20’s after being released from prison. After getting clean and sober, he became a drug counselor and was a boxing coach before making the transition into acting. Trejo’s incredible story is the subject of recent documentary which was released by AARP.
Kristen Davis
Before she got sober, the star of Sex and the City didn’t think she would live past 30– a thought that many who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse can relate. In numerous interviews, she explained that alcoholism runs in her family. When her acting career was picking up steam, she realized she couldn’t have both and she quit drinking while in her 20’s.
Sir Anthony Hopkins
What many fans of Hopkins may not know is the fact that he was an alcoholic. Starting in the 1960’s when he was an up and coming actor in London, Hopkins’ alcoholism spiraled out of control and by 1975 he hit rock bottom. Upon urging from a Hollywood casting director, Hopkins attended his first AA meeting in late 1975 and has been sober ever since.
No Matter Your Situation, Recovery is Possible
No matter if you are rich or poor, famous or not famous, addiction can strike anybody and at any time. Much like the celebrities that were profiled in this article, recovery from substance abuse is possible with the help of a reputable drug rehab center. With our unique holistic-based treatment approach and experienced staff, First Steps Recovery offers drug treatment programming that is effective, proven to work, and can be individually tailored to meet your unique needs. Make your recovery a reality and call First Steps Recovery.
