Charlie Sheenis sharing his full story—not just half.
As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but share my excitement about the former Two and a Half Men star, who’s now eight years clean. Recently, he opened up about the hard-earned lesson from his tumultuous journey with addiction and public fallout, which unfortunately led to his departure from the beloved CBS sitcom.
As I stood there at the red carpet premiere of my latest Netflix docuseries, “Charlie Sheen: Unraveled,” on September 4th, TopMob News exclusively captured a piece of me. The truth is, I can’t help but ponder about what I was trying to validate or prove in those turbulent years. Alas, that elusive nut remains uncracked for now. You see, the allure of pushing boundaries and chasing the next big thing has been my relentless pursuit, but I must confess, even today, I’m still unsure of what exactly that “next thing” is.
In fact, the 60-year-old had a sobering realization—that death may have been his only wakeup call.
By then, there was overwhelming proof that suggested only a funeral, vigil, or something tragic remained. Reflecting on this now, he admits, ‘It seems like things could’ve been handled differently.'” This is a paraphrased version of the original statement, aiming to maintain the same meaning while making it more approachable and natural for casual reading. The airing time and network have also been removed from the sentence to make it more concise.
Yet, even though Charlie faced numerous challenges in his life, he has remained optimistic about his life’s course. Charlie is the father of Cassandra, 40, by ex-partner Paula Profit; Sami, 21, and Lola, 20, with ex Denise Richards; and twin sons Bob and Max, 16, with ex Brooke Mueller.
He said that he can’t afford to dwell on regrets, because he views life as a collection of all its experiences, both positive and negative. If he encourages others to accept their past, he must do the same.
Even so, Charlie confessed that he felt a bit apprehensive about exploring his addiction and its public implications in the documentary, along with his recently published memoir titled “The Book of Sheen“.
Initially, he mentioned,” he stated. “As his relationship with director Andrew Renzi progressed, he expressed, ‘Listen, let’s put aside rumors and hear directly from you.’ This was one step towards building mutual trust between them.
Towards the conclusion, the actor from Wall Street encapsulated his attitude as, “If we’re going to take on this challenge, let’s dive in headfirst. Let’s tackle it straight on, just like you’d walk down the iconic Broadway.
Additionally, while Charlie doesn’t view his documentary and book as means for inspiration or to glamorize the past, he remains optimistic that there might be some indirect advantages from sharing his narrative.
He ended by expressing the hope that it would resonate with those experiencing similar suffering, making them feel less isolated.
Read on for more stars who have been open about their addiction and sobriety.
—Reporting by Paul Costabile
After the Backstreet Boys member relapsed in 2021, he noted he “got sober again for the last time.”
He shared with People magazine in July 2025 that he was committed to seeing this through. Every day presents a challenge, but he’s made a change that’s been recommended within the sober community, and his life has since taken a turn for the better.
While AJ acknowledged he is “still learning, still growing,” he’s now confident in who he is.
As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’ve recently embraced the concept of setting boundaries – something I previously hadn’t given much thought to. Now, I find this practice to be nothing short of a blessing. You see, while AJ (a persona I represent in certain groups) plays an important role in my life, he doesn’t define me as an individual. Rather, I am Alexander James, but more importantly, I am myself – a unique blend of experiences, aspirations, and personality traits that make up who I truly am.
Last October 2018, the actor famed for his role in “American Pie” shared an exuberant and inspiring Instagram post to announce that he had been alcohol-free for a year.
5 years back, he attempted to quit his addiction to alcohol and drugs as the burden grew unmanageable. He penned that it was difficult, acknowledging the struggle, during that period.
Following some ups and downs, I have successfully achieved one year without alcohol consumption. This accomplishment fills me with immense pride. If anyone is facing similar struggles, remember that help is available. There’s no need to feel ashamed. Together, we can overcome this.
In time, he looked back on his experience with addiction and the great measures he took to conceal his battle with it.
In an episode of my beloved Jenny Mollen’s “All the Fails” podcast on March 2024, I confessed my struggle. Despite attending therapy and tackling personal issues, there were times when I found myself leaving sessions feeling triumphant. In these moments, instead of continuing down the path of healing, I would head to the liquor store, purchasing a fifth of vodka as if it were a ticket to another world. I’d drink until I was intoxicated, numbing myself, escaping the present, and avoiding feelings that connected me too deeply.
He mentioned, “I had everything planned perfectly. I made sure not to drink so much that I couldn’t talk to you. I kept refilling the bottles at the bar regularly.
The two-time winner of the FIFA Women’s World Cup has been candid about her inappropriate use of Adderall as she struggled with injuries during her university soccer years.
In a 2025 episode of the ‘Question Everything with Danielle Robay’ podcast, she admitted that she had become severely reliant on Adderall and often abused it. She would take it constantly, even to the point where she went for extended periods without sleeping. She described her behavior as reckless, saying it felt like she was pushing herself towards a potential heart attack. She resorted to crushing and snorting the medication, making her situation extremely problematic.
However, in the midst of her struggle, her college coach Anson Dorrance was there to support her.
She shared that the surroundings became incredibly dim, requiring significant modifications, to which she had to adapt. Anson often encouraged her to read books, and one such book was titled “Man’s Search for Meaning“. This book delves into the topic of suffering, offering perspectives on how it can be reinterpreted, ultimately making a profound impact on her life.
The Valley star shared his decades-long battle with drugs in March 2025 after going to rehab.
In a recent episode of Bravo’s “Hot Mic” podcast on March 4, Jax admitted that he struggles with addiction and has a problem with substances, particularly cocaine. He found it difficult to openly acknowledge his struggle.
He mentioned that he’s had occasional struggles with something since he turned 23, and now at the age of 45, he’s still grappling with it. There have been periods when he managed to avoid it, but there were also stretches where he found himself engaging in it quite intensely.
Besides quitting alcohol, Jax stated, “I don’t necessarily believe I have an alcohol issue, but they often go together. I can’t use cocaine without drinking first. Consequently, I decided to give up both substances. At the moment, I’m 82 or 83 days free from both, which is the longest stretch I’ve ever managed in my life.
In 2022, the actor who played Spider-Man in “No Way Home” decided to quit drinking alcohol because he felt like it was controlling him. On the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast, Holland admitted that he had an addiction to alcohol and wasn’t hiding it. He believes that anyone who drinks beer every day may have a problem with it.
The actor went on to say, “Then it’s that point when you think, ‘I wish I hadn’t had that final drink last night.'” The following morning, they found themselves with a painful headache.
After adopting the new lifestyle, Holland found that his sleep improved significantly, and he became more adept at dealing with issues.
He expressed that situations on set that usually upset him, no longer phase him. He added that his mental state greatly improved, he felt more resilient, and experienced an increase in both physical and mental well-being.
In a more conversational style, we can say: The lead character from “The Hunt for the Red October” isn’t frequently open about his nearly four-decade-long struggle with sobriety.
He mentioned that he doesn’t delve into this topic frequently, but occasionally does so when it’s relevant. As of May 2024, he has been sober for 39 years, having achieved sobriety on February 23, 1985.
Talking about his life following his move from New York City to Los Angeles in 1983, Alec recounted, “For two years straight, I faced a blazing issue, one that involved me consuming lines of cocaine amounting to what seemed like from Earth to Saturn. I brought it home with me. In essence, cocaine was like coffee for many people during that time; it was consumed constantly throughout the day by numerous individuals.
And after quitting the drug, he soon turned to alcohol—only to also quit that dependency.
Today, he relies on the city around him.
He mentioned that New York brings him a sense of calm. As he roams around, he discovers details of the city he’s never noticed before. He might gaze at a structure and exclaim, “I can’t believe I’ve never paid attention to that aspect of that building, those doors.” He often enjoys meals and coffee with his companions.
Back in April 2024, I proudly shared my achievement of being more than five years sober. To the New York Times, I expressed that this moment felt like a significant milestone for me.
In simpler terms, her reasoning was straightforward. She admitted, “I knew inside it wasn’t right for me.” It felt excessive to her when she had to say, “But none?” (meaning nothing or not a single one), but she said it anyway. Just as you wouldn’t argue with an allergy or a severe reaction, she stopped arguing with the situation.
She expressed her satisfaction for having taken that action, saying, “I can personally vouch for the improvement in all aspects since then.” Furthermore, she stated that dwelling on problems wasn’t something she enjoyed, as she put it, “It served as a source of negativity for me, and I prefer to move past such situations.
As I stood on stage to receive the 2018 Woman of the Year Award bestowed upon me by the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House – a place dedicated to helping women overcome substance and alcohol abuse – I shared my personal journey, reflecting on the self-destructive path that almost brought my career to a halt.
The celebrity reflected on pivotal moments in life that significantly influence our identity and future choices. Early in their career, they found themselves heading towards self-destructive behavior despite professional successes. They admitted to always feeling inadequate. This destructive path rapidly led them to a critical juncture, and at the time, it wasn’t evident what was causing this predicament. They suggested that it might have been some higher power guiding them.
Back in 2012, when I sought help, I expressed my gratitude to two individuals who weren’t familiar faces to me. They presented me with a sort of ultimatum that I couldn’t ignore: shape up or face the consequences, which essentially meant either I should show up and make a change or risk losing everything. In a light-hearted yet serious tone, I said, “Unless I was no more, I had to appear.” It was a pivotal moment for me, a chance to redefine my path before I brought ruin upon myself and everything around me.
Moore remarked that others seemed to know him better than he knew himself, and he is deeply thankful for this, as without their faith in him, he would not be here speaking with you today.
In 2022, Cyrus publicly shared that she had been recuperating from her Xanax dependence since 2020. Speaking with Rolling Stone, she explained, “Xanax provided the structure I needed during a time when I desperately required it, as I didn’t want to be aimlessly contemplating and brooding. It offered me hope.
The musician remarked, ‘When I believed momentarily muting the world and lessening your sorrow was an option, it was all done.’
She mentioned that her friends at one point seemed to tacitly approve of her drug usage, and it escalated into an ominous, seemingly endless abyss. However, during the pandemic, Cyrus observed difficulties for herself and felt she wasn’t emotionally engaged. “I was frequently drifting off and nodding out,” she remembered. “And I couldn’t manage to stay awake or keep my eyes open because I had gone too far.
She eventually sought help and noted that “it took some time to get on my own two feet.”
In the 2025 documentary titled “Stans“, the artist famously known for “Lose Yourself”, opened up about his past struggle with prescription pills. He shared that a near-fatal overdose and missing his daughter Hailie Jade’s birthday party served as turning points in his life, marking the beginning of a positive change.
He said in the documentary, ‘I was disappointed because I didn’t catch it and thought, ‘Oh no, I missed that!’ I kept reminding myself, ‘Do I want to keep missing out on this? On everything? If you can’t strive for your own benefit, then do it for others.’
Gradually, focusing once more on his music aided the Academy Award recipient in his efforts towards overcoming sobriety issues.
He clarified, “It accomplished an action. It activated the light,” referring to his newfound confidence in overcoming his alcohol addiction. “I came to terms that I no longer feel ashamed about my sobriety,” he continued. “I began viewing my sobriety as a formidable strength and took great pride in my ability to break free from it.
A former cast member from the show “Parenthood” had remained sober for 16 years, but unfortunately fell off the wagon in 2020 when he took Vicodin following a motorbike collision.
He mentioned during his podcast on Armchair Expert that for the past two months or so, he’s been using them quite a bit throughout the day, as he has a prescription for it. However, he’s not just relying on the prescribed dosage; he’s also increasing it.
He went on to express his dislike for the situation, admitting he was deceiving others. He acknowledged the need to stop, but his tolerance had escalated so rapidly that he was now consuming eight 30mg pills daily, a quantity he knew would lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. This realization made him feel increasingly fearful and lonely, and he carried a heavy burden of secrecy.
In the year 2018, the actress who played in Halloween openly discussed her 10-year struggle with opiate addiction that started in the late ’80s due to a cosmetic surgery for her inherited puffy eyes. This prescription medication significantly altered her life. She confessed to People magazine, “I had a 10-year streak of stealing and deceiving, all while keeping it a secret from everyone.
In the summer of 1998, when Curtis’s sister visited and brought painkillers for a rib injury, Curtis admitted that this marked the lowest point in her life. She confessed that she found and took all her sister’s opiates from their guest room closet during her visit. Upon her sister’s departure, Curtis wrote a note confessing her actions and left it on her suitcase. When her sister returned home, she embraced Curtis, expressing love and concern, and refused to stand by as Curtis self-destructed.
In my own words, on February 3, 1999, I attended my first meeting, a day marked by me confiding in my filmmaker husband, the remarkable Christopher Guest, about my personal struggle. Upon hearing this, he was astonished that he hadn’t noticed before. Since then, I have remained sober.
Drew Barrymore, who had previously sought treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, announced in 2021 that she had achieved a significant accomplishment in her recovery journey. In an interview on CBS Mornings, she revealed, “I’m going to share something I haven’t said in a while: It’s been two and a half years since my last drink of alcohol.” She continued, “I realized that abstaining from alcohol was not beneficial for me in my life.
She commented that it feels both freeing and exposing to show who we really are, our true selves, and what we have strived for, as humor is often involved in such moments.
Later, Barrymore clarified to the Los Angeles Times that she avoids using the term “sober” as she doesn’t wish to be perceived as a flawless and pious figure.
In the year 2023, she expressed, “I had been telling myself, ‘I can conquer this, I will find a solution.’ But eventually, it struck me: ‘This is something I have never fully mastered, and perhaps never will.’
During the early 2000s, the actor from “A Star Is Born” battled a cocaine addiction. However, friend Will Arnett intervened and addressed his concerning behavior with him.
In the year 2022, during his interview on the Smartless podcast, Cooper recounted that moment as the first time he became aware of his struggle with substance abuse, an experience I will always remember vividly.
As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but credit Arnett for being the catalyst that propelled me onto a new path. He dared to have a tough chat with me, which ultimately led me to reevaluate my lifestyle and make the decision to turn over a new leaf.
In simpler terms, the actor who starred in Fight Club faced difficulties with alcohol for many years, but it was Cooper who assisted him to quit drinking. At the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards, he acknowledged this help to the audience, saying, “Every day has been happier since then.” After Cooper gave him an award, he credited him by stating, “I’ve been sober because of this man.
In September 2023, an actor from the movie Cruel Intentions announced on Instagram that it had been the longest period for him, since his teenage years, without any trace of nicotine, marijuana, or other substances in his body.
He also mentioned that he was grateful for the liberation he experienced by overcoming addictions and freeing himself from the hold of substances. For him, sobriety, understanding, and a strong spiritual bond bring a sense of genuine well-being.
In 2018, during a tour, the singer proudly marked six years without alcohol. However, her fans were taken aback when she subsequently disclosed her relapse by releasing the introspective song “Sober” later in the year.
Mom and Dad, I’m truly sorry but I’ve lost my sobriety again. Please forgive me for the spilled drinks on the floor. To those who have always stood by me, we’ve encountered this situation before, I apologize, as I’m not sober anymore,” she crooned.
A month later, Lovato was hospitalized for a near-fatal overdose.
As a wellness advocate, I’ve always maintained openness about my personal battle with addiction. Two weeks ago, I took to Instagram to share my experiences. What I’ve discovered is that this affliction doesn’t vanish or weaken over time; rather, it’s an ongoing challenge I am still working to conquer.
At present, I find myself in need of healing and dedication to my sobriety and recovery. The outpouring of love and support you have all shown me will never be forgotten, and I eagerly anticipate the day when I can proudly declare victory over this challenge. Until then, know that I am resilient and determined to keep fighting.
In 2018, she admitted to grappling with her struggles against addictions towards sex and alcohol. She explained, “My addictions tend to switch places. They move around. When I was younger, I strongly believe I suffered from some form of a sexual addiction – that everything could be resolved through sexual encounters.” She further discussed the moment she acknowledged her growing issue with excessive drinking.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that as follows:
“Reflecting on a challenging moment, I found myself alone at home with two empty bottles of wine, reaching for a third. Suddenly, it struck me – here I was, all by myself, consuming an excessive amount of alcohol. It was a clear sign that maybe I needed to reevaluate my habits.
She mentioned that she abruptly stopped certain habits, referring to herself as someone who can quickly quit cold turkey. She’s a binger and needs to be cautious about her tendencies towards obsession. She explained further that it isn’t the action itself that matters, but the reason behind it. The behavior associated with an activity is crucial to consider. For instance, if one desires to have a lot of sex, that’s fine, but understanding why one engages in such activities is essential.
A member of the Backstreet Boys admitted to experimenting with drugs for the first time prior to filming their 2000 music video for “The Call.” Years afterward, he confessed to Good Morning America that he was unusually energetic during the shooting due to drug use. He achieved sobriety in 2021 and experienced multiple health improvements within a year, including shedding 32 pounds in seven months by abstaining from alcohol and fast food.
He mentioned on Today in September 2022 that excessive drinking led to an increase in his weight, but it also significantly impacted his emotional well-being.
Following Mac Miller’s untimely demise, the rapper formerly known as Bow Wow openly confessed on Twitter about his past struggle with codeine addiction. He began a series of tweets stating, “To the youth – quit these foolish drugs!”
He revealed that during the production of the ‘Face Off’ album with Omarion, he was addicted to lean (codeine syrup) and was high on it every day. He admitted that his behavior, including his infamous altercation with Torae on BET, was a result of his addiction. His fans and family turned against him during this period.
Bow Wow explained that he never endorsed lean in his songs, but he was consuming at least 7 doses of 4 Lokos per day while touring with Chris Brown on the UCP tour. He confessed that he was addicted until their show in Cincinnati where he passed out backstage and ended up in the hospital experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Reflecting on this experience, Bow Wow said, “I’ve never felt pain like that before. It was summer, but I was walking around with three hoodies on because I was so cold. I missed shows in Chicago and Baltimore because I was high and sick!”
He urged his fans to abandon these harmful substances, emphasizing the importance of being a good child, living a healthy lifestyle, and breaking free from such trends. He concluded by saying, “Drug-free is the way to be. Smarten up, tighten up! We can’t afford to lose any more of you. Not one! I love you all. Young artists everywhere – don’t follow trends. Break the cycle. Peace.
In 2018, I found myself laying it all bare, both musically and in my memoir. My fourth studio album, “No Shame,” and the book “My Thoughts Exactly” were a raw exploration of my addiction struggles. As I recounted in these works, I was grappling with a cocaine habit and excessive drinking that left me feeling like a parasite, always drunk.
A pivotal moment came when I unwittingly headbutted Orlando Bloom at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party, causing me to black out. My beloved Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, ever my pillars of strength, staged an intervention after this incident, knowing that it was time for a change.
She shared with The Guardian, “I felt nothing could resonate or fulfill me during those challenging times. One morning in that bleak period, I contemplated, ‘Perhaps heroine might be the solution, as nothing else appears effective.’
During the 1980s, the actor known for The Parent Trap struggled with cocaine addiction, which eventually led him to rehabilitation in 1990. He later shared his story on Today, stating that he came of age in the ’60s and ’70s when there was a significantly different perspective on drug use compared to today.
In 2018, he confessed that he had been using cocaine almost every day during the 1980s. He admitted to pleading with God to take away his addiction and promising never to use again, only to find himself saying at 4 PM, ‘It’s not so bad.’
He shared an intense moment he called a ‘white light episode,’ where he vividly envisioned either his own demise or losing everything valuable to him. Overwhelmed, he needed to confide in his fiancée at the time, Meg Ryan, about what was transpiring. Subsequently, he sought professional help, marking the end of his romantic relationship with cocaine.
In 2018, following an incident at a Newport Beach hotel where Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte attempted to break down his own door, it was announced that he would seek treatment. According to his representative, Lochte has struggled with alcohol addiction for a long time, and unfortunately, this struggle has taken a destructive turn in his life. In a statement to TopMob News, they stated that he recognizes the need for professional help to overcome his issue and will be seeking immediate assistance.
Ryan understands that overcoming this illness is crucial for him to prevent future mistakes, to be an exceptional husband and father, and if he aims to reach his objective of competing at the top again during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
His connection with Melanie Lynskey played a significant role in his decision to give up alcohol, despite understanding that it’s generally advised not to get sober for someone else.
During a March 2023 interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, I shared that I had come to realize her extraordinary qualities, believing she would be ideal for someone truly deserving. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel that I wasn’t worthy of her affection. There was a sense of being too unstable or chaotic in my presence.
However, as Ritter noted to TopMob News, he now sees that sobriety is ultimately a personal choice.
In the beginning of their relationship, he found it simpler to claim that his actions were for her because, during that period, he didn’t view himself as particularly valuable. He wasn’t overly concerned about causing himself harm compared to causing her pain. Consequently, it was less difficult for him to say, “I’m doing this for her.” However, now, he’s doing it for his own sake.
For about ten years now, the nation’s singer has managed to stay sober, but it was no easy feat reaching this point. His struggle with alcohol and prescription painkillers started shortly after he graduated from high school, persisting even as his career flourished. He always kept a black leather laptop bag brimming with bottles of Jagermeister or vodka within arm’s reach, according to what he had earlier confessed to People magazine. He admitted that throughout the day, every hour and a half to two hours would call for a couple of strong drinks from the bottle, and every three or four hours would mean taking a pill or two.
In his own words, it didn’t hinder his progress.” or “As he put it, it didn’t slow him down.
Towards the end of 2011, he was admitted to the hospital due to pancreatitis, and medical professionals warned him that continued drinking could lead to his untimely demise. However, despite this warning, he attempted to moderate his consumption on his own, such as promising himself to only take two drinks a day or marking the bottle to keep track of his intake. This approach worked for a few days, but then someone would throw a party.
In the end, he found himself needing assistance, admitting himself into rehab on December 18, 2011. “I reached a point where I realized it was something I couldn’t tackle alone,” Gilbert explained. “It infuriated me immensely and left me feeling ashamed. Despite being quite determined, this was the one area in my life that consistently evaded me.
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2025-09-08 20:19