8 Celebrities That Have Come Out as Sober
Whether you’re abstaining for a day or a lifetime, you are not alone.
Getting sober is a personal decision that millions of individuals make each year. It is not something that a lot of folks take lightly. In fact, some people find themselves in a situation where getting sober is the only way to survive.
A common fear people have about sobriety, or any other lifestyle change, is perception. What will your friends think if you turn down that beer? What reasons will you share? Will you still get invited to parties?
It is normal to feel alone, like no one else in the world understands what you’re going through. But the truth is, tons of people know exactly what it means to give up the booze. Whether you’re abstaining for a day, a week, or a lifetime, you are not alone.
The following list of celebrities reminds us, that even the rich and famous need a change sometimes.
Eminem
The rap sensation, Eminem, recently celebrated 11 years of sobriety. The artist hasn’t been shy about his journey. Eminem often references his struggle with addiction in his music. The artist’s addiction was first made public when he went to rehab in 2005, admitting substance abuse and ongoing legal issues. The rapper suffered a few relapses, but began his sober journey in 2008. Eminem credits Elton John as his sponsor in a 12-step program, as much of the world learned when the two reunited at the 2020 Oscar Awards.
Drew Barrymore
The star, who was first introduced to the world as a bright-eyed six-year-old in E.T., opened up about her sobriety in 2021. Ms. Barrymore shared on the CBS This Morning show that she had realized alcohol “just did not serve her.” During that raw interview, the actress stated that she had not drunk alcohol in over two years. Ms. Barrymore also points out that it is not the first time her sobriety has been addressed, referring to a drug history in her teens and a few stints in rehab.
Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell continues to awe the world with her beauty, but reminds us she is human. The British supermodel has been very open about her previous struggles with addiction. In 2010, she shared with Vogue UK that her worst times with drugs and alcohol caused her to not even want to look at her own reflection. Campbell mentioned in the interview that she has combined tools learned in rehab and 12-step groups to remain sober.
Ben Affleck
The superstar actor is not shy with his story of sobriety. Ben Affleck recently shared at an interview with Howard Stern about his lifestyle change. Affleck talks about getting sober and says it is very hard in the beginning. He shared about his experiences in meetings and told Stern that he believed that “the cure for addiction is suffering.” He also told Stern in the interview that he is grateful that he got to be a “better person through recovery”.
Keith Urban
The country music legend, Keith Urban, has been sober for more than 15 years. Urban told Rolling Stone that his own father struggled with Alcoholism. He referred to the turning point in his own addiction where his wife, Nicole Kidman, had staged an intervention for him. After that intervention, Urban checked into the Betty Ford Clinic. It was his third trip to rehab, Keith Urban later told Oprah Winfrey, but Kidman stuck by him and that’s what ultimately “saved him.”
Jessica Simpson
The news of Jessica Simpson’s sobriety has been very public since the release of her memoir, Open Book in 2020. Since then, the star also opened up about being sober on Instagram on November 1, 2021, while celebrating four years of sobriety. The artist shared a photo of herself from the very beginning of her journey as well as some inspiring words for her fans:
“I needed to stop drinking alcohol because it kept my mind and heart circling in the same direction and quite honestly I was exhausted.” — Jessica Simpson
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry became a household name for his role as beloved Chandler Bing on the 90s sitcom Friends. Perry has admitted to struggling with alcoholism and opiate addiction. In a 2013 interview with People magazine, the actor talks about a prescription to pain killers in 1997 and how it affected his addiction. Perry first went to rehab in 1997, but got sober in 2001.
Eva Mendes
The actress, model, and businesswoman, is known for her roles in Training Day, Hitch, and dozens of other hit shows and movies. Eva Mendes has also spoken out about her choice to remain sober. The celebrity spoke with Interview where she shared details about her substance abuse history. The star spent time in rehab in 2008 and continues to help normalize addiction treatment.
“I’m proud of people who have the determination and the fearlessness to actually go and face their demons and get better. This is a life or death situation.” — Eva Mendes
The Takeaway
Choosing to address an issue with drugs or alcohol is a personal decision, and for many folks, it is a difficult journey. When celebrities, like those listed here, continue to speak out about their own journeys, it reminds the rest of us that we are not alone. Talking about substance abuse or seeking treatment for addiction shouldn’t be a taboo subject, but should be normalized within society. These brave celebrities are helping that cause.
A sincere thank you for reading. If you’re not already a Medium member, join here using my referral code to enjoy unlimited articles and even create your own.
Some other “sober-inspired” articles you may enjoy:
