White Lotus’ Jason Isaacs Celebrates 27 Years of Sobriety

Jason Isaacs is sharing his truth.

The actor from *The White Lotus* opened up about getting sober, sharing his feelings about choosing a healthier way of life.

Jason shared on Instagram that today marks 27 years of sobriety. He remembers waking up on that first day clean from drugs and alcohol, not because he’d planned it, but because he hadn’t gone to bed trying to resist using. He explained that in the days before, he’d spent hours desperately searching for anything to use, even tearing up floorboards and rifling through clothes—surprisingly, with some success.

He went on to explain that he’d spent the whole night naked in a public sauna, surrounded by surprised taxi drivers. He didn’t know how long it would take to recover, but when he finally came out, feeling incredibly cold and with bright pink skin, he felt a glimmer of hope – something he hadn’t experienced in decades. He’d made it through one night.

The 62-year-old shared how he stayed sober for 27 years by focusing on getting through each moment – whether that meant taking things one step, one day, one hour, one breath, or even indulging in a very large chocolate bar when needed.

Jason explained that he decided to share his story to show others that significant, lasting lifestyle changes are achievable.

He stressed that you don’t need to follow his example, but no matter how lost or hopeless you feel, there’s always a path to recovery. There’s always a way to move forward and return to a better place. He urged people to simply take a small first step and let go of resistance.

The Harry Potter alum also expressed gratitude amid his ongoing sobriety journey.

He expressed his gratitude to those who support him through difficult times, admitting he couldn’t cope alone. He’s thankful for being able to fully experience life, even the unpleasant parts, because he used to avoid those challenges. Now, he often faces them head-on and doesn’t hide his feelings.

He ended his post by wishing anyone considering a new challenge the best, simply writing, “Good luck. You’ve got this.”

Jason shared that he and his wife, Emma Hewitt, had been together for more than ten years, but he only began to build a future with her after getting sober.

The actor recalled that after he got sober, his wife, Emma, expressed relief that they could now start a family and buy a house. He was surprised by this, responding that they had just met and he wasn’t sure where she was coming from, as reported in *The Big Issue* in 2020.

Even after years together, Jason—father to Lily, 23, and Ruby, 20, with Emma—felt like he was starting over and wanted to rebuild their connection, getting to know each other anew.

He remembered telling her, “You’ve never seen the real me.” He was shocked she hadn’t kicked him out, expecting her to tell him to just disappear. He later asked her why she’d want to be with someone so unstable, and she replied that she always knew who he was, both who he was at that moment and who he had the potential to become, and that she loved him for it.

For more celebrities who’ve spoken about their sobriety journeys, keep reading.

After the Backstreet Boys member relapsed in 2021, he noted he “got sober again for the last time.”

He told *People* magazine in July 2025 that he’s committed to staying on his current path. He described it as a daily effort, but said he’s finally followed advice from the recovery community, which has dramatically improved his life.

While AJ acknowledged he is “still learning, still growing,” he’s now confident in who he is.

I’ve been learning to set personal boundaries, something I didn’t used to do. It’s been really helpful. I also understand now that ‘AJ’ is just a public image, a role I play, but it doesn’t change who I truly am – Alexander James.

In October 2018, the actor known for *American Pie* shared on Instagram that he had been sober for a year, marking the occasion with a positive and hopeful message.

He shared that he first attempted to stop drinking and using drugs more than five years ago, realizing his addiction had become overwhelming. He admitted it was a difficult process.

He shared that after a difficult journey, he’s been sober for a year, and he’s incredibly proud of this accomplishment. He encouraged anyone who is struggling to reach out for help, reminding them that there’s no shame in asking and that recovery is possible.

Looking back on his battle with addiction, he thought about how far he’d gone to keep it a secret.

He shared on his wife Jenny Mollen’s podcast, *All the Fails*, that he was in therapy but still struggled with escaping his feelings. He described a cycle where he’d leave a productive therapy session and immediately go buy a bottle of vodka, drink it, and drive home. He admitted he knew how to drink enough to disconnect from his life and avoid confronting his emotions.

He explained that he’d carefully planned how much he’d drink, making sure he stayed coherent enough to talk to me. He mentioned he was constantly swapping out the alcohol bottles at the bar.

The two-time World Cup-winning soccer player has publicly discussed using Adderall inappropriately while recovering from injuries during her time in college.

She shared on the 2025 podcast *Question Everything with Danielle Robay* that she had become seriously addicted to Adderall and was using it in dangerous ways. She explained she was taking it constantly, often going for days without sleep. It was a chaotic time, and she felt like she was pushing her body to the limit, even to the point of fearing a heart attack. She admitted to taking the drug by snorting it, acknowledging how harmful her behavior had become.

However, in the midst of her struggle, her college coach Anson Dorrance was there to support her.

She described a difficult time where she had to adapt significantly. Anson encouraged her to read, and she found a life-changing book called *Man’s Search for Meaning*. It helped her understand and cope with suffering by offering a new perspective.

The Valley star shared his decades-long battle with drugs in March 2025 after going to rehab.

Jax revealed on the March 4th episode of Bravo’s *Hot Mic* podcast that he’s struggling with addiction, specifically with cocaine. He admitted it was difficult to talk about.

He explained he’s been struggling with this issue intermittently since he was 23, and now, at 45, it continues. He’d sometimes stop, but then other times, it would become a major focus again.

Jax stopped drinking and using cocaine at the same time. He explained that while he wasn’t sure he had a serious drinking problem, he always drank when he used cocaine, so he decided to quit both. He’s proud to have been sober for over 82 days – the longest stretch of his life without either substance.

Tom Holland, known for his role in *Spider-Man: No Way Home*, quit drinking in 2022 because he felt controlled by alcohol. He admitted on the *On Purpose with Jay Shetty* podcast that he was addicted. “I was definitely addicted to alcohol, and I’m not afraid to say that,” Holland shared. He believes that even having a beer every day could be a sign of a problem.

The actor explained that you eventually realize you went too far, like after having one too many drinks. Then, you wake up with a really bad headache.

After changing his lifestyle, Holland found he was sleeping more soundly and coping with challenges more effectively.

Honestly, being on set used to stress me out – little things would *really* get to me. But lately? It’s like nothing bothers me! I’m just so much calmer and clearer-headed. I actually feel *good* – healthier and fitter than ever. It’s amazing, I can handle anything now, all thanks to him!

Sean Connery, known for his role in *Hunt for Red October*, rarely discusses his recovery, which started nearly forty years ago.

He shared during a May 2024 podcast that he doesn’t often talk about his sobriety, only mentioning it occasionally when it feels relevant. He revealed he’s been sober for 39 years, since February 23, 1985.

Alec described a difficult period following his move to Los Angeles in 1983, admitting to a severe cocaine addiction. He said he used a significant amount of the drug daily for two years, comparing its prevalence at the time to that of coffee – many people were using it constantly.

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 finds New York City incredibly calming. He loves simply walking around and discovering new details he’s never seen before – like noticing unique features on buildings he’s passed countless times. He also enjoys spending time with friends over lunch or coffee.

In April 2024, Anne Hathaway, known for her role in *The Princess Diaries*, revealed she’s been sober for over five years. She told *The New York Times* that reaching this point felt like a significant achievement.

She explained her decision simply. “I realized I wasn’t truly interested,” she said. “It felt difficult to completely refuse, to say ‘not even a little.’ But it’s like an allergy – if you have a severe reaction, you don’t try to fight it. I finally stopped questioning my feelings and accepted that it wasn’t right for me.”

She’s glad she made the change. She explained that, personally, things have improved significantly. She described her previous state as being stuck in negativity, something she actively avoids.

As someone who’s navigated the ups and downs of life and career, I was really moved when accepting the 2018 Woman of the Year Award from the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House. It’s an organization doing incredible work helping women rebuild their lives after struggling with substance and alcohol abuse. During my speech, I opened up about a really difficult time – a self-destructive period that almost cost me everything I’d worked for. It was important for me to share that vulnerability, hoping it might inspire others to seek help and know they’re not alone.

I think we all have key moments that define us and change the course of our lives. Early in my career, I was heading down a really destructive path, and despite any success I achieved, I never felt satisfied. I had very little self-worth, and that path quickly led to a crisis. At the time, I didn’t understand why, but it almost felt like something bigger was intervening.

As someone who’s seen a lot of transformations, I can tell you a little push can sometimes be everything. I actually sought help back in 2012, and it was two people – honestly, people I barely knew – who really lit a fire under me. They basically told me straight up: get your life together, or face the consequences. I joked at the time that showing up was better than the alternative! But seriously, they gave me the opportunity to change direction before I completely derailed everything, and I’m incredibly grateful for that honest intervention.

Moore reflected that others recognized potential in her that she hadn’t seen in herself. She expressed deep gratitude for their belief in her, saying she wouldn’t be where she was today without their support.

Miley Cyrus revealed in 2022 that she’s been managing her Xanax addiction since 2020. She told *Rolling Stone* that recovery provided much-needed stability during a difficult time. “It gave me something to focus on when I was struggling, and it gave me hope,” she explained.

The singer explained that once they discovered a way to briefly escape their pain, they were finished with whatever was causing it. In other words, finding a temporary escape meant they couldn’t cope anymore.

She explained that her friends at the time didn’t discourage her drug use, and it quickly spiraled out of control, becoming a never-ending cycle. During the pandemic, she realized she was struggling and felt disconnected. She remembers being constantly drowsy and falling asleep, unable to stay awake or focused because of how deeply affected she was.

She eventually sought help and noted that “it took some time to get on my own two feet.”

In his 2025 documentary, *Stans*, Eminem opened up about his past struggles with prescription pills. He shared that an overdose and missing his daughter Hailie Jade’s birthday were turning points that led him to change his life.

He explained that he became emotional realizing he didn’t want to repeat past mistakes. He described a harsh internal monologue, repeatedly asking himself if he wanted to miss out on life again, and urging himself to persevere, even if only for the sake of his loved ones.

Focusing on making music again was a key part of the Oscar winner’s recovery from addiction.

He said it did something – it switched the light on. He realized he wasn’t ashamed of being sober anymore. Instead, he started seeing his sobriety as a strength and felt proud of overcoming his addiction.

The former star of *Parenthood* had been sober for 16 years when they experienced a relapse in 2020. This happened after a motorcycle accident and led to them taking Vicodin.

He explained on his *Armchair Expert* podcast that he’s been taking prescription medication consistently for about the past two months, and is also taking extra doses beyond what’s prescribed.

He went on, saying he hated what was happening and felt he was deceiving everyone around him. He knew he needed to stop, but his tolerance was increasing so fast that he was now using eight pills a day. He realized this much was going to cause severe withdrawal symptoms, and he was becoming increasingly frightened and isolated, burdened by a huge secret.

In 2018, the star of *Halloween* openly discussed her decade-long struggle with opioid addiction. It began in the late 1980s after a small cosmetic procedure to address her naturally puffy eyes. The resulting prescription dramatically altered her life. As she told *People* magazine, she spent ten years stealing and deceiving others, and no one suspected a thing.

Curtis recalls the summer of 1998 as her lowest point. Her sister arrived with prescription painkillers for a broken rib, and Curtis ended up taking them all. Remembering the event brought her to tears as she explained she knew her sister would discover the missing pills before leaving. She confessed in a note left on the suitcase. Thankfully, when her sister returned home that day, she embraced Curtis, expressing her love and concern, and stating she couldn’t bear to watch Curtis destroy herself.

Jamie Lee Curtis went to her first support group meeting on February 3, 1999, and that same day, she told her husband, filmmaker Christopher Guest, about her struggles with substance use. She explained that he was surprised he hadn’t noticed before, and she has been sober ever since.

Drew Barrymore, who has previously sought treatment for substance abuse, revealed in 2021 that she had reached a significant point in her recovery. Speaking on *CBS Mornings*, she shared that she’d been sober for two and a half years, explaining that alcohol simply wasn’t beneficial to her life.

She explained that sharing who you truly are – your experiences and accomplishments – is both incredibly freeing and deeply personal.

Drew Barrymore later told the Los Angeles Times she avoids calling herself “sober” because she doesn’t want to be seen as overly strict or judgmental.

She explained that she used to tell herself, ‘I can learn this, I can solve this.’ But eventually, she came to the realization that she hadn’t, and wouldn’t, ever truly master it, as she shared in 2023.

Bradley Cooper battled a cocaine addiction in the early 2000s. His friend, Will Arnett, helped him by directly addressing the issue and confronting him about his struggles.

Cooper shared in a 2022 podcast interview that it was the first time he truly recognized his issues with drugs and alcohol, a moment he says he’ll never forget.

Cooper explained that Arnett’s willingness to have a difficult conversation was the turning point that led him to get sober and change his life.

Edward Norton credited Bradley Cooper with helping him overcome a long struggle with alcohol. Accepting an award from Cooper at the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards, Norton shared, “I got sober because of this guy, and I’ve been happier every day since.”

Okay, so I was totally stalking Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Instagram, and she posted the *most* amazing thing! She said September 2023 marked the longest she’d gone since she was a teenager without using *anything* – like, no nicotine, no marijuana, just… clean! I seriously almost screamed. It’s so inspiring to see her doing so well, and I’m just so proud of her! It’s amazing, honestly.

He expressed gratitude for overcoming addiction and substance dependency, saying that achieving sobriety, mental clarity, and a sense of spiritual connection feels incredibly good.

In 2018, the singer first celebrated six years of being sober while on tour. However, she surprised fans later that year with her honest single, “Sober,” in which she admitted she had struggled with relapse.

She sang, filled with regret: “Mom, I’m truly sorry I’ve lost my sobriety. Dad, please forgive me for the mess I’ve made. And to those of you who have always been there for me, I’m so sorry this has happened again – I’m not sober anymore.”

A month later, Lovato was hospitalized for a near-fatal overdose.

She shared on Instagram a couple of weeks ago that she’s always been open about her struggles with addiction. She explained that it’s an ongoing battle, not something she’s simply overcome. She needs time to focus on healing and getting better, and she’s incredibly grateful for all the support she’s received. She’s hopeful for the future and determined to continue fighting for her sobriety.

In 2018, she spoke about her past struggles with sex and alcohol. She explained that her addictions tended to change over time, and when she was younger, she believed sex could solve any problem. She then described realizing she had also developed a serious issue with drinking.

She recalled a moment when she realized she might have a drinking problem. She was home alone and had already finished two bottles of wine when she started to reach for a third. That’s when she stopped and thought, ‘Wait a minute – finishing three bottles of wine by myself? This isn’t good.’

I decided to just stop completely – that’s something I can actually do. I’ve always been the type to really dive into things, almost obsessively, so I have to be careful. It’s not necessarily *what* you’re doing, but *how* and *why*. It really comes down to the motivations behind your actions. For example, wanting to have a lot of sex is fine, but you need to honestly ask yourself *why* you want that. That’s the part that really matters.

Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean revealed he first experimented with drugs before filming the music video for their 2000 hit, “The Call.” He later told *Good Morning America* that he was extremely out of control during the video shoot. He achieved sobriety in 2021 and experienced significant improvements in his health within a year, including losing 32 pounds over seven months by eliminating alcohol and fast food.

He told *Today* in September 2022 that drinking led to both weight gain and a worsening of his mental health.

Following the tragic death of Mac Miller, rapper Bow Wow, whose real name is Shad Moss, shared a personal story on Twitter about his own past struggles with addiction. He revealed he was addicted to lean (codeine-based cough syrup) while working on the ‘Face Off’ album with Omarion, and even during a heated moment on BET with Torae. He explained that the drug changed his attitude and caused him to lose support from fans and family, despite never mentioning it in his music. Bow Wow detailed being addicted to lean throughout the UCP tour with Chris Brown, consuming it at least seven times a day until he collapsed backstage in Cincinnati and was hospitalized due to withdrawal. He described the pain as unlike anything he’d ever experienced, leaving him constantly cold and forcing him to miss shows in Chicago and Baltimore. He admitted he was using the drug to fit in and urged others to avoid it, encouraging them to be good sons or daughters and reach their full potential. He vowed to speak out more about the dangers of drug use, particularly for young people, and asked parents to educate their children. Bow Wow shared that he still suffers stomach problems as a result of his addiction and emphasized that staying drug-free is the best path. He concluded with a message of love and a plea for young artists and fans around the world to break the cycle of drug use and prioritize their lives.

In 2018, the singer openly discussed her struggles with addiction, coinciding with the release of her album *No Shame* and her memoir *My Thoughts Exactly*. She revealed she was heavily using cocaine and drinking excessively. Things came to a head when, after accidentally hitting Orlando Bloom in the head at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party and knocking herself unconscious, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin organized an intervention for her.

I’ve spoken to so many people who’ve felt utterly lost and disconnected, and it’s heartbreaking. One woman shared with me that she reached a point where she genuinely felt *nothing* could help. She described waking up and actually considering heroin because she’d tried everything else and was still in so much pain. It’s a stark reminder of how deeply someone can suffer when they feel completely empty and unable to find joy or relief.

The actor best known for *The Parent Trap* struggled with cocaine addiction throughout the 1980s, eventually entering rehab in 1990. He later shared on *Today* that he came of age in the 1960s and 70s, a time when attitudes towards drug use were very different.

He confessed that in the 1980s, he was using cocaine almost every day, to the point where it was impacting his finances. He recalled desperately pleading with God to help him stop, often right before work, only to find himself rationalizing his behavior just hours later, thinking things weren’t so bad.

He described a powerful experience – what he called seeing a white light – where he felt he was either dying or about to lose everything important in his life. He then had to explain this to his then-fiancée, Meg Ryan, and afterward, he decided to get help. This, he said, marked the end of his struggle with cocaine.

Following an incident at a Newport Beach hotel where he attempted to break down his own door, Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte entered treatment for alcohol addiction in 2018. According to his representative, Lochte had been struggling with alcohol for years, and it had become a harmful pattern. He recognized the need for professional help and began treatment immediately.

According to a recent statement, Ryan understands that overcoming this illness is crucial – not only to prevent future regrets, but also to be a good husband and father, and to have a chance at competing in his fifth Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020 and reclaiming his place as a top swimmer.

While he understood you shouldn’t get sober for another person, Jason Ritter admits his relationship with Melanie Lynskey was a big factor in his decision to stop drinking.

He realized how wonderful she was and believed she deserved someone truly special. Appearing on *The Drew Barrymore Show* in March 2023, he admitted he didn’t feel up to the task, saying he felt ‘a little bit too crazy’ to be with her.

However, as Ritter noted to TopMob News, he now sees that sobriety is ultimately a personal choice.

He remembered that in the beginning of their relationship, it felt simpler to justify his actions by saying he was doing them for her. He admitted he didn’t value his own well-being as much then, and was more concerned with protecting her feelings than his own. Initially, framing it as ‘doing it for her’ felt easier, but now he’s motivated by his own needs.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen firsthand how easily success can mask hidden struggles. This country star’s journey to sobriety is a powerful example. He’s been sober for almost ten years now, but getting here wasn’t easy. It actually started right after high school, with a reliance on alcohol and painkillers that unfortunately grew even as his career took off. He’s been open about how he used to carry a leather laptop bag constantly stocked with Jagermeister or vodka, needing a drink every hour and a half to two hours, and then pain pills every three to four. It’s a really honest look at the challenges some face, even when things seem to be going great.

Despite everything, it didn’t hinder his accomplishments. “I wasn’t falling apart,” he explained. “I was actually very productive – I wrote more songs during that time than I do today, and that’s what really worried me.”

In late 2011, he was hospitalized with pancreatitis and warned that his life was in danger if he didn’t quit drinking. He admitted he initially tried to cut back on his own, setting small goals like limiting himself to a certain number of pills or amount of alcohol each day. He’d mark the bottle to keep track, and it would work for a few days, but then a social event would derail his progress.

Eventually, Gilbert realized he needed professional help and checked into rehab on December 18, 2011. He explained, “I finally admitted I couldn’t overcome this on my own.” He was frustrated and ashamed, admitting, “I’m usually a very strong person, but this was the one thing I just couldn’t control.”

2025-10-06 19:20

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