Billy Idol isn’t dancing with his demons anymore.
The singer of “Eyes Without a Face” shared a surprising method he used to overcome his long battle with heroin addiction: he replaced it with a different, potent substance.
He explained on the March 2nd episode of the Club Random With Bill Maher podcast that he began using crack cocaine as a way to stop using heroin, and surprisingly, it was successful.
The tactic certainly defied conventional wisdom, but Billy, 70, defended his logic.
“Once you’re trying to get off heroin, what do you go to?” he asked. “You go to something else.”
As someone who’s followed a lot of celebrity journeys, I’ve always been struck by this artist’s openness. He’s talked before about his struggles with opioids, and it’s incredibly sobering to hear how close he came to losing everything – he actually survived a near-fatal overdose back in 1984, right when his career was really taking off here in the States. It’s a powerful reminder that success doesn’t equal immunity to life’s challenges.
In the 2025 documentary Billy Idol Should Be Dead, Idol recalled a near disaster during a triumphant return. According to People magazine, he explained that after flying to London to meet up with friends, he encountered extremely potent heroin. He said that everyone tried a small amount, but only he and one other friend managed to stay awake.
As such, Billy and his friend continued using the drug until the situation turned dire.
I was close to death and starting to turn blue, he explained. They immediately put me in a very cold bath, and I remember them carrying me around on the roof of the building.
After a serious motorcycle accident in 1990, the former star of Generation X had to rethink his life and the choices he was making.
He told People magazine in May 2024 that it took time, but he’s finally developed self-control and isn’t the same person he was in the 1980s, specifically, he’s no longer struggling with drug addiction.
Billy considers himself fortunate to have overcome his addiction, and now lives what’s often called “California sober” – meaning he still uses substances occasionally.
He mentioned he occasionally enjoys a glass of wine, emphasizing he’s in control and doesn’t feel obligated to drink. He also clarified that he’s no longer struggling with the same level of addiction he experienced during the 1970s and 80s.
Billy’s honest discussion about his struggles with substance use is part of a larger trend of celebrities opening up about getting sober. Keep reading to learn more.
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 first attempted to stop drinking and using drugs more than five years ago, realizing his addiction had become overwhelming. He quickly discovered it wasn’t easy.
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 it’s okay to ask 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 recently shared on his wife Jenny Mollen’s podcast, All the Fails, that despite being in therapy and ‘working on things,’ he would sometimes leave a session and immediately go buy a bottle of vodka, drink it, and then drive home. He explained that he knew how to drink enough to disconnect from his life and avoid facing his feelings.
He explained that he’d carefully planned how much he’d drink, wanting to stay clear-headed enough to talk. 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 playing college soccer.
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 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 both taking and snorting the drug, acknowledging how harmful her behavior was.
However, in the midst of her struggle, her college coach Anson Dorrance was there to support her.
She described a difficult time where things became very challenging, and she had to adapt. Anson encouraged her to read, and she discovered a book called Man’s Search for Meaning. This book, which explores how to cope with suffering by changing your perspective, had a profound impact on her life.
In October 2025, Migos member Quavo revealed he had been sober from codeine—an opioid often mixed with soda to create the drink known as sizzurp—for four years. He credited a serious conversation with his teenage son, Jordan, as the turning point that led to his sobriety.
Offset shared a story on the show Baby, This Is Keke Palmer about his son repeatedly asking for pineapple Fanta, even though he rarely drinks soda. What really got to Offset was when his son noticed his Fanta was a different color and asked why, which he found incredibly touching.
Offset explained that the seemingly harmless comment really upset him, adding, “I almost cried when I went to my room.”
The rapper explained he felt guilty as a father. He was worried his son didn’t realize he was using drugs and that even something simple – like his son wanting the same drink – felt like a bad influence. He feared he was setting a poor example.
The Academy Award-winning actor has often openly discussed December 29, 1975, the date he stopped drinking.
In an October 2025 interview on The New York Times‘ podcast The Interview, he admitted he was driving drunk in California and completely blacked out. He had no idea where he was going until he understood the danger – he could have seriously hurt or killed someone, or even himself, which at the time didn’t seem to matter to him. That’s when he realized he had a problem with alcohol and was, in fact, an alcoholic.
I’ve always said, sometimes all it takes is reaching out. A friend helped someone I know start a new chapter in their life, and it was incredible to witness. Just last December, they celebrated a huge milestone – 50 years of sobriety! They shared such a powerful message with anyone struggling like they once did, reminding them that change is absolutely possible, even after decades of hardship. It’s a testament to the power of support and perseverance.
He urged people to embrace life in an Instagram message, repeating simply, “Life, life, life and more life.”
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 is 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 manage to stop, but other times would find himself doing it a lot.
I’m so incredibly proud of Jax! He’s really taken control of his life. He explained that he wasn’t sure he had a full-blown alcohol problem, but he knew his cocaine use and drinking were completely linked – he couldn’t do one without the other. So, he made the amazing decision to quit both! As he shared, he’s currently 82 or 83 days sober, which is the longest stretch he’s ever had, and it’s just inspiring to hear.
Tom Holland, known for his role as Spider-Man, quit drinking in 2022 because he felt controlled by alcohol. He admitted on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast that he was addicted, saying, “I was definitely addicted to alcohol, not shying away from that at all.” He believes that even having a beer every day could be a sign of a problem.
The actor explained that you eventually realize you made a mistake, like after having one too many drinks. Then, you wake up with a really bad headache.
Honestly, ever since he made that change, it’s like a totally new Tom Holland! He’s said himself he’s been sleeping so much better, and it’s amazing to see how much easier he’s handling everything now. It’s just… incredible to see him thriving!
He explained that he was much calmer and more able to handle problems on set. He felt mentally clear, healthier, and in better physical shape.
Sean Connery, known for his role in Hunt for Red October, rarely discusses his recovery, which started nearly forty years ago.
He rarely talks about his sobriety, mentioning it only when relevant. He shared in a May 2024 podcast that he’s been sober for 39 years, since February 23, 1985.
Alec described his early years in Los Angeles after leaving New York in 1983 as a period of intense struggle with cocaine addiction. He admitted to using a massive amount of the drug, comparing it to how common coffee was at the time, and said that he and others 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 said New York City always helps him unwind. He loves walking around and discovering new details he’s never seen before—like noticing interesting features on buildings he’s passed countless times. He also enjoys simple things like having lunch or coffee with friends.
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.
I was really struck by how simply she explained it. She just knew it wasn’t right for her, deep down. It was hard, she admitted, because the expectation was to take all of it, but she realized that didn’t make sense. She used a great analogy – if you have a serious allergy, you don’t debate it, you just avoid it! That’s what she did – she stopped questioning her instincts and just listened to what her body was telling her.
She’s glad she made the change. She explained, “For me, things are just better now. It used to really bring me down, and I don’t want to feel that way.”
When accepting the 2018 Woman of the Year Award from the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House—a program helping women recover from substance and alcohol abuse—Moore discussed how a harmful lifestyle almost ended her career.
I think we all have key moments that define us and steer our lives. Early in my career, I was heading down a really destructive path. Despite any success I achieved, I constantly felt inadequate and had very little self-worth. This quickly led to a crisis, and at the time, I wasn’t sure why it was happening – it felt like something bigger than myself might have intervened.
In 2012, seeking help, Moore expressed gratitude to two people she hadn’t known well who essentially challenged her to change her life. She jokingly said they told her she needed to get her act together or face the consequences, giving her an opportunity to turn things around before she ruined everything.
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 have achieved her current success without their support.
As someone who’s navigated personal challenges, I really connected with Miley Cyrus sharing her journey with recovery. She opened up about her struggles with Xanax, and how getting sober, starting in 2020, actually gave her a much-needed sense of stability. She told Rolling Stone it wasn’t just about stopping something negative, but about finding positive structure and, honestly, hope when she really needed it. It’s a powerful reminder that seeking help can be about building a better, more grounded life.
The singer explained that once they discovered a way to briefly shut out difficult feelings and avoid pain, they were finished with something – implying a turning point had been reached.
She explained that her friends previously seemed to accept her drug use, which led to a downward spiral she described as a never-ending cycle. However, during the pandemic, she began to recognize problems and realized she wasn’t fully engaged emotionally. She remembers frequently dozing off and being unable to stay awake or keep her eyes open 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 revealed 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 started crying when he realized how much he’d been missing out on. He described a harsh internal monologue, repeatedly asking himself if he really wanted to repeat past mistakes and lose out on important experiences. He pushed himself, even using strong language, urging himself to prioritize what mattered, if not for his own sake, then for the sake of those he cared about.
Focusing on making music again played a key role in the Oscar winner’s recovery from addiction.
He described how it activated a light. This made him realize he was no longer ashamed of being sober. Instead, he began to view his sobriety as a strength, and he felt proud of overcoming his addiction.
The actor, known from the show Parenthood, had been sober for 16 years when they experienced a relapse in 2020. This happened after a motorcycle accident and led them to take Vicodin.
Okay, so, like, for the past couple of months – honestly, I’ve lost track of exactly how long – I’ve been totally consumed with them. I was talking about it on my podcast, Armchair Expert, and I explained that I actually have a prescription, which means it’s okay for me to take a certain amount. But, and this is the part nobody gets, I’m also… well, I’m taking more than that. I’m boosting it, you know? It’s just… it helps, okay?
He admitted he was miserable and felt he had to stop, but his usage was increasing rapidly. He was now taking eight pills a day, which he knew would lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. This scared him, and he was also feeling incredibly isolated, burdened by a huge secret he was keeping from everyone.
In 2018, the actress known for her role in 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. She told People magazine that she spent ten years stealing and deceiving others, keeping it a secret from everyone.
In the summer of 1998, when her sister came to visit, Curtis reached her lowest point. Her sister had brought pain medication for a broken rib, and Curtis admitted to taking all of it. Remembering the event brought her to tears. She knew her sister would discover the missing pills before leaving, so she confessed in a note left on the suitcase. When her sister returned, 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 past struggles with addiction. She explained that he was surprised he hadn’t realized she was going through it, and she has remained 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. In an interview on CBS Mornings, she shared that she’d been sober for two and a half years, explaining that alcohol simply wasn’t helping her live a fulfilling life.
It’s a really freeing experience to finally share who you are, what you believe, and everything you’ve achieved – even though it also feels a little scary and open.
Drew Barrymore later told the Los Angeles Times she avoids calling herself “sober” because she doesn’t want to give the impression that she’s flawlessly virtuous.
She explained that she used to tell herself, ‘I’ll get the hang of this, I’ll find a way to make it work.’ But eventually, she came to a different conclusion: ‘I’m not going to master this, and that’s okay.’
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 struggles with drugs and alcohol, a moment he says he’ll never forget.
Cooper explained that Arnett’s honest and difficult conversation was the turning point that led him to get sober and change his life.
As someone who’s followed a lot of personal journeys, I’ve always been struck by the power of connection. I recently heard a story about how Bradley Cooper really helped a fellow actor – the star of Fight Club, actually – overcome a long struggle with alcohol. He shared publicly that he wouldn’t be where he is today without Bradley’s support, and said that every single day since getting sober has been a happier one. It’s a beautiful reminder that having someone in your corner can truly change your life.
In September 2023, the former Cruel Intentions star revealed on Instagram that they had been without nicotine or marijuana—and other substances—for the longest time since their teenage years.
He expressed gratitude for overcoming addiction and dependence, saying that achieving sobriety brings a sense of clarity and a deeper spiritual connection, which feels truly good.
As someone who’s followed many personal journeys, I was really struck by this artist’s honesty. She’d been so open about celebrating six years of sobriety while on tour in 2018, which was incredibly inspiring. But later that same year, she bravely shared a very vulnerable truth with her fans through her song ‘Sober’ – she’d actually experienced a relapse. It was a powerful moment, showing that recovery isn’t always linear, and that being real about struggles is so important.
She sang, filled with regret, apologizing to her parents for losing control and drinking too much. She acknowledged this wasn’t the first time, and expressed gratitude to those who had stayed by her side through it all, repeating her sorrow for not being sober.
A month later, Lovato was hospitalized for a near-fatal overdose.
She shared on Instagram a couple of weeks ago that she’s 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 about the future and determined to continue fighting for her sobriety.
In 2018, she spoke about her past struggles with sex and alcohol addiction. She explained that her addictions would shift over time, and when she was younger, she believed sex could solve any problem. She later recognized she had also developed a serious issue with drinking.
She recalled a particularly low point when she was home alone and nearly finished her third bottle of wine. It was then she realized she might have a drinking problem, thinking to herself, ‘Wait a minute – this isn’t right.’
I stopped completely, which I’m capable of doing. I tend to get really focused on things, sometimes to an unhealthy degree, so I always have to be mindful of my habits. It’s not the activity itself that’s the problem, but why you’re doing it and the motivations behind your behavior. For example, wanting to have a lot of sex is fine, but it’s important to understand why you want that.
Backstreet Boy 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 “completely out of control” during the shoot. After a setback, he achieved sobriety in 2021 and experienced significant improvements to his health within a year, including losing 32 pounds over seven months by eliminating alcohol and fast food.
He told People magazine in July 2025 that he’s committed to staying on his current path. He explained it’s something he works on every day, but he’s finally taken advice from others in recovery, and it’s dramatically improved his life.
While AJ acknowledged he is “still learning, still growing,” he’s now confident in who he is.
I’ve learned to set limits, something I never did before, and it’s been really helpful. ‘AJ’ is a role I play, but it’s not the whole me – I’m Alexander James.
Following the tragic death of Mac Miller, rapper Bow Wow (born Shad Moss) revealed on Twitter that he once battled an addiction to cough syrup, often called “lean.” He shared a personal story, explaining that during the creation of his album Face Off with Omarion, he was using lean daily. He admitted to being under the influence during a memorable on-stage moment at BET, where he confronted Torae. He described how the drug changed his attitude and negatively impacted his relationships with fans and family, despite never promoting it in his music. He detailed his heavy use—at least seven times a day—during his UCP tour with Chris Brown, culminating in a collapse backstage in Cincinnati that landed him in the hospital experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Bow Wow emphasized the severity of the pain and the physical toll the addiction took, recounting how he wore multiple hoodies even in the summer because he felt constantly cold and missed shows in Chicago and Baltimore due to being high and sick. He urged young people to avoid drugs, encouraging them to prioritize their health and be good sons and daughters. He also called on parents to talk to their children about the dangers of drug use. Bow Wow shared that he still experiences stomach problems as a result of his past addiction and stressed the importance of staying drug-free. He concluded by expressing his love for his fans and encouraging young artists to break the cycle of drug use and choose a better path.
In 2018, the singer opened up about her struggles with addiction, coinciding with the release of her album No Shame and her memoir My Thoughts Exactly. She revealed she had been heavily using cocaine and drinking excessively. The situation came to a head after an incident at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party where she accidentally hit Orlando Bloom with her head, knocking herself unconscious. Following this, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin organized an intervention to help her.
She shared with The Guardian that she felt deeply unfulfilled. She recalled a particularly difficult time when she even considered trying heroin, feeling like nothing else could alleviate her pain.
As someone who’s followed celebrity wellness for years, I’ve always been struck by how much the times impact our perspectives. Looking back, the actor from Parent Trap openly shared his struggles with cocaine, and his journey to rehab in 1990. He explained that growing up in the ’60s and ’70s, there was a very different understanding – and acceptance, frankly – of drug use than there is today. It really highlights how societal norms can play a role in personal challenges.
He confessed that during the 1980s, he was using cocaine almost every day, to the point where it was impacting his finances. He described desperately pleading with God to help him stop, often right before work, only to find himself rationalizing his use just a few hours later, thinking it wasn’t a serious problem.
He described a powerful experience, what he called seeing a white light, where he felt like he was either dying or losing everything important in his life. He then had to explain this to his then-fiancée, Meg Ryan, and afterwards, he sought professional help. This 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. His representative stated that Lochte had been struggling with alcohol abuse for years, and it had become a harmful cycle. He recognized the need for professional help and began treatment right away.
According to a statement, Ryan understands that overcoming this illness is crucial, not just for his future well-being and family, but also to give him the best chance of competing at his fifth Olympic Games in Tokyo in 2020 and returning to peak performance.
Despite knowing you shouldn’t get sober for another person, actor Jason Ritter credits his relationship with Melanie Lynskey as a significant 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 was ‘a little bit too crazy’ for her.
However, as Ritter noted to TopMob News, he now sees that sobriety is ultimately a personal choice.
Looking back on the beginning of their relationship, he explained that he often justified his actions by saying he was doing them for her. He admitted that at the time, he didn’t value his own well-being very highly. He cared more about avoiding her pain than his own. So, it was simpler to tell himself he was acting for her sake. Now, however, he’s motivated by his own needs and desires.
The country music star has been sober for almost ten years, but achieving that wasn’t easy. His struggle with alcohol and painkillers started shortly after high school and continued even as his career grew. He admitted to People magazine that he always kept a black leather laptop bag nearby, filled with bottles of Jagermeister or vodka, and would drink from it every hour and a half to two hours. He also said he’d take a couple of pills every three to four hours.
Honestly, even knowing about it didn’t slow him down at all. He actually said it himself – he wasn’t a mess, he was still completely him. It’s just… he wrote SO much back then, more than he does now, which is the really unsettling part. Like, the thing that made him him was somehow fueled by it, and that’s just… wow. It’s both amazing and terrifying to think about.
In late 2011, he ended up in the hospital with pancreatitis and received a stark warning: unless he stopped drinking, he likely wouldn’t live to see his next birthday. He admitted he kept delaying quitting, attempting to cut back on his own. “I’d tell myself, ‘Okay, just two pills today, and I’ll only drink this much from the bottle,’ marking the bottle to keep track,” he remembered. “It would work for a couple of days, but then someone would have a party and I’d start again.”
Gilbert finally realized he needed help and checked into rehab on December 18, 2011. He explained, “I reached a point where I knew I couldn’t overcome it by myself.” He admitted it was frustrating and humiliating, especially because he considered himself a strong person, but this was one battle he couldn’t win.
Read More
- Survivor’s Colby Donaldson Admits He Almost Backed Out of Season 50
- Where Winds Meet: How To Defeat Shadow Puppeteer (Boss Guide)
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- Gold Rate Forecast
- How to Build a Waterfall in Enshrouded
- Ratchet & Clank Mobile May Be Okay Actually, First Gameplay Revealed
- Yakuza Kiwami 3 And Dark Ties Guide – How To Farm Training Points
- The Sci-Fi Thriller That Stephen King Called ‘Painful To Watch’ Just Joined Paramount+
- How to get started with Microsoft Copilot on Windows 11 — A beginner’s guide to the AI chatbot and its many integrations
- Keanu Reeves Goes From John Wick To Angel In Good Fortune Behind-the-scenes Clip (Exclusive)
2026-03-04 21:21