Christine Brown Details “Devastating” Oxycodone Addiction

Christine Brown is detailing her private battle with drugs.

In a candid disclosure, the star of “Sister Wives” revealed that she had battled an oxycodone addiction in the past. She explained this started during her recovery process following a 2016 operation on her knee and torn ACL.

In her memoir titled “Sister Wife: A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Finding Freedom”, which is currently available, Christine explained that she hadn’t used oxycodone before. Instead, if she experienced pain, she would opt for ibuprofen or aspirin. Following the surgery, however, since I was still experiencing discomfort as the issue had already been addressed, I chose to follow my doctor’s prescribed medication.

On the third day post-surgery, she mentioned that she felt as if she had the flu. From head to toe, she was aching. She then took an oxycodone, and all her symptoms disappeared. Upon reflection, she realized that she wasn’t taking the medication for her knee anymore; instead, it was due to the achiness throughout her body.

Afterward, Christine (previously married to Kody Brown from 1994 to 2021) confessed that she found the sensation appealing, so she started using it during the TLC show filming with Kody, his other spouses Meri Brown, Janelle Brown, and Robyn Brown, as well as their combined six children. She then indulged in the drug.

Christine expressed that it was the most extraordinary feeling she had ever experienced, saying, ‘I felt unstoppable and capable of achieving anything! Since the interview location was merely a short walk from my place, I could pop an oxycodone right before leaving, drive to work while its effects were not yet in full swing, and then perform brilliantly on set. Oxycodone made the experience much more enjoyable. It granted me the ability to conquer anything on oxy.’

Approximately forty-five minutes onward, I’d start sensing a wave of weakness and I’d become incredibly melancholic,” she went on to say. “All I found myself doing was dwelling on the forthcoming high, but it was still several hours off.

In the end, Maddie, their daughter at age 29, confronted Christine about her drug habits. It was during this conversation that she admitted to Kody and their daughter Aspyn, aged 30, and handed over half of the pills. Following a week spent crying in bed, she stopped using entirely, although the aftereffects of her brief addiction persisted for several months.

She expressed in her writing that she didn’t recognize herself, craving oxycodone but unable to obtain it, which led to frustration. She acknowledged the fleeting nature of the euphoria associated with the drug, admitting how quickly addiction can set in and how challenging it was for her to rediscover herself.

During filming of their family’s life, Christine, who tied the knot with David Wooley in 2023, shared the reason for keeping her private struggle hidden from the public eye.

She revealed to People in an interview on September 2 that she chose to handle it personally as it was incredibly traumatic at the time. She explained that it was tough for her, lasting at least six months even though she battled with it for a month. During this period, she didn’t feel like herself or okay. After recovering and feeling better, she felt relieved to regain her health. Interestingly, in writing her book, she chose not to revisit the addiction to oxycodone.

Keep reading for more stars who’ve gotten candid about their sobriety journeys…

 

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

In simpler terms, he said to People magazine in July 2025, “I’m going to see this through until the end.” He continues to persevere every day. Remarkably, after adopting advice from the sober community, his life has 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 fervent admirer, let me share my revelation: I’ve stumbled upon fresh terminology that, quite frankly, wasn’t part of my vocabulary before – boundaries. It’s incredible how, once acknowledged, they’ve become a source of blessing in my life.

AJ is a fellow traveler in the same circle as me. He embodies a character, but he doesn’t encapsulate who I am as an individual. Alexander James is merely one facet of the complex puzzle that makes up me.

Last October 2018, the actor from American Pie shared a joyful and inspiring Instagram post to announce that he had been sober for a whole year.

5 years back, he struggled with his alcohol and drug addiction, admitting that it had become an unbearable burden for him. He penned down, “I initially attempted to overcome my addictions then,” adding, “It turns out that quitting cold turkey isn’t as simple as one might think.

He went on to say, ‘Following some ups and downs, I’ve achieved a whole year without alcohol. This accomplishment fills me with pride like no other. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, remember there is always assistance available. Don’t let shame hold you back. Together, we can overcome this.’

Later in life, he looked back on his experience with substance abuse, recalling the great efforts he made to conceal his ongoing battle.

In simpler terms, during an episode of his wife Jenny Mollen’s podcast “All the Fails” in March 2024, he shared that he was attending therapy and working on personal issues. However, following a beneficial therapy session, he decided to leave therapy, visited a liquor store, purchased a bottle of vodka, consumed it, and then drove himself home. He admitted to using alcohol as a means to numb his emotions and disconnect from the present moment.

He mentioned that he had carefully planned his drinking so as to ensure he could still carry on a conversation with me. He often replenished the empty bottles at the bar.

 

The two-time champion of the FIFA Women’s World Cup has been candid about her past misuse of Adderall, a medication, as she dealt with injuries during her collegiate soccer years.

In a 2025 episode of the Question Everything with Danielle Robay podcast, she admitted that she had developed a serious addiction to Adderall and abused it excessively. She would frequently take it and even go for extended periods without sleep. Her behavior became erratic; she feared she might have a heart attack due to her excessive use. She crushed and snorted the pills, which only exacerbated the problem. In simpler terms, she couldn’t stop using Adderall and was suffering as a result.

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

She shared that the surroundings became extremely dim, requiring significant changes, and Anson encouraged her to read. She began a book titled ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’, which explores the themes of suffering, reinterpreting it, and it significantly transformed her life.

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

During the March 4th episode of the Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast, Jax admitted, “I struggle with addiction, particularly to cocaine. It’s tough to verbalize this truth.

He said that he’s had this issue, taking breaks occasionally, since he turned 23 – now being 45 years old. There have been periods when he abstained from it, but other times he became particularly involved.

Besides quitting alcohol, Jax stated that he made a decision to avoid using cocaine as well due to their connection. He added that he cannot consume one without the other, so he chose to give up both. Currently, Jax boasts about being 82 or 83 days free of either substance, which is the longest period in his life he’s managed this feat.

In 2022, the lead actor in the movie “Spider-Man: No Way Home” decided to give up alcohol after feeling trapped by it. As he shared on the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast, he openly admitted to having an addiction to alcohol. He further added that anyone who drinks beer every day may be struggling with a similar issue.

The actor went on to say, “Then comes a point when you think, ‘I wish I hadn’t finished that last beer.’ Afterward, you find yourself waking up with a pounding headache the next morning.

After adopting the new lifestyle, Holland observed that he’s been experiencing improved sleep quality and has become more adept at managing issues.

He expressed that issues that used to bother him significantly on set, he was now able to handle with ease. He added that his mental state had greatly improved. He felt more energized and healthier overall.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’ve always admired the enigmatic man who brought to life the character from “Hunt for Red October.” While he isn’t frequently vocal about it, what many people may not know is that his personal journey towards sobriety stretches back nearly four decades. It’s a testament to his strength and resilience, demonstrating that one’s past doesn’t have to define their future.

He mentioned that the topic doesn’t come up frequently in conversations, but he does bring it up occasionally when it seems appropriate. As of May 2024, he has been sober for 39 years, having achieved sobriety on February 23, 1985.

Discussing his life after relocating from New York City to Los Angeles in 1983, Alec described a persistent issue that lasted for two years: “I essentially inhaled lines of cocaine equivalent to a journey from here to Saturn. Essentially, I brought it home with me. In those days, cocaine was as common as coffee – everyone seemed to be 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 mentioned that New York has a calming effect on him, describing it as his home. He enjoys strolling around, discovering fresh perspectives he’s never noticed before. For instance, he might gaze at a building and suddenly realize, “Wow, I’ve never appreciated those doors on that building before.” He also spends time having lunches and catching up with friends over coffee.

Back in April 2024, I proudly announced my achievement of being more than half a decade sober. When I shared this with the New York Times, I expressed it as a significant milestone for me.

As a devoted admirer, let me rephrase her statement in my own words: “Deep within, I could sense it wasn’t for me, and I felt incredibly intense when I had to say ‘Absolutely not,’ but none. You see, if you have an allergy or react severely to something, there’s no room for argument. So, I decided to stop arguing with it.

She expressed her contentment about the decision she made, adding that it has significantly improved her life. In her own words, ‘It’s been great for me,’ she said. ‘I prefer not to dwell on problems or difficulties.’

During her acceptance speech for the 2018 Woman of the Year Award at the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House, a home offering recovery for women struggling with substance and alcohol addiction, Moore discussed the “damaging course” that came close to halting her professional progression.

In simpler terms, the individual reflected on pivotal moments in life that significantly influence our identity and future trajectory. Early in their career, they found themselves heading towards self-destruction despite achieving success. They often felt inadequate, lacking self-worth, which accelerated a self-destructive path leading to a critical juncture. The exact reason wasn’t apparent at the time, but looking back, they suspect it might have been some form of higher guidance or destiny.

In 2012, Moore acknowledged her gratitude towards two people she wasn’t very acquainted with for presenting a sort of ultimatum that pushed her to change her life. She humorously stated, “Unless I was deceased, I should show up,” further expressing that she had been given an opportunity to alter the trajectory of her life before it crumbled to pieces.

Moore pointed out that others seemed to see aspects of him that he didn’t recognize about himself. He expressed deep gratitude for this insight, as without it and their faith in him, he wouldn’t be where he is now.

In 2022, Cyrus openly discussed her recovery from a Xanax addiction which started in 2020. According to an interview with Rolling Stone, she explained that the medication provided her with much-needed structure during a difficult time when she didn’t want to be idle and consumed by her thoughts. She added that it offered her hope as well.

The singer remarked, “When I believed there was a moment to temporarily mute the world and dull your suffering, that’s when it ended.

As an ardent admirer, let me share the heartfelt words of Miley Cyrus: In her past, her peers seemed to tacitly approve and tolerate her substance use, creating a sinister abyss, an endless chasm. However, during the pandemic, she confessed experiencing emotional struggles, admitting she was barely conscious. “I would drift off and fall asleep so easily,” she reminisced. “And despite my best efforts to stay alert and awake, I found myself unable to do so, as I had sunken so deep.

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

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but share my heartfelt feelings about the powerful revelation in Eminem’s 2025 documentary “Stans.” In this intimate piece, he openly discussed his past struggle with prescription pills, a battle that shook me to my core.

One particular story stood out – the time he overdosed and missed his precious daughter Hailie Jade’s birthday party. That moment hit me hard because I could feel his pain as a fellow fan, knowing how much he cherishes his family. But it was this painful experience that served as a turning point for him, igniting a change in his life that we all can admire and respect.

He expressed regret by saying, “I felt a strong sense of loss, as if I had missed something significant,” in the document. He then continued with self-motivation, “Should I let myself miss this opportunity again? Should I miss everything? If you can’t push yourself for your own sake, then do it for them.

Ultimately, refocusing his efforts on his music proved beneficial for the Oscar-winner during his path towards sobriety.

He clarified that it took action, and as a result, switched on the light. In a similar manner, I found myself no longer ashamed of my sobriety. I began to view it as a powerful ability and felt proud about having overcome this challenge.

16 years ago, the former star of ‘Parenthood’ had been living a sober life until a motorbike incident in 2020 prompted him to start using Vicodin again, marking a relapse after his long period of abstinence.

For the past two months or so, he mentioned during his Armchair Expert podcast, he has been using certain medications extensively throughout the day. Since he has a prescription for them, he is legally permitted to do so at a specific dosage. However, he also admitted to supplementing this prescription.

He went on, expressing his dislike for the situation. He admitted he was deceiving others and knew he needed to stop, but his tolerance was escalating so rapidly that he was now consuming approximately eight 30mg doses daily, aware this would lead to a harsh withdrawal. This realization was causing him fear and loneliness, and he felt burdened by the immense secret he carried.

Back in 2018, the actress who played Halloween opened up about her decade-long struggle with opiate addiction that started in the late ’80s following a minor cosmetic surgery to address her family’s inherited puffy eyes. This led to a prescription that significantly altered her life. “I had a ten-year streak of stealing and deceiving, all while hiding it from everyone around me,” she confessed to People, emphasizing that her secret was unknown to anyone at the time.

In the summer of 1998, when Curtis’s sister visited and brought prescription painkillers for a rib injury, she hit rock bottom. As she recounted to the publication, tears welling in her eyes, she knew her sister kept the pills in the guest room closet. “I essentially took all her opiates before she left,” she admitted. She wrote a note confessing her actions and left it on her sister’s suitcase. Upon returning home that day, her sister embraced her, expressing love and concern, and voicing her unwillingness to stand by as Curtis destroyed herself.

On February 3, 1999, she went to her first meeting, a day when she shared her personal struggle with her filmmaker husband, Christopher Guest. Upon hearing this, he was astonished that he hadn’t noticed before. Since then, she has remained sober.

Drew Barrymore, who has previously sought treatment for alcohol and drug addiction, publicly announced in 2021 that she had achieved a significant accomplishment in her recovery journey. On the show CBS Mornings, she candidly shared, “For the first time in a long while, I am proud to say that I have not consumed alcohol in over two and a half years. I realized that abstaining from alcohol was not beneficial for my life.

She remarked, ‘There’s something surprisingly freeing yet exposed about baring our souls and showing what we’ve achieved through hard work.’

Later on, Barrymore clarified to the Los Angeles Times that she avoids using the term “sober” since she doesn’t wish to be perceived as a “spotless Puritan,” suggesting an image of perfection.

In her words from 2023, she reflected, “I repeatedly thought to myself, ‘I’ll conquer this, I’ll find a way,’ but eventually, it dawned on me: ‘This is something I’ll never truly master.’

During the 2000s, the actor known for “A Star Is Born” battled a cocaine addiction. Eventually, friend Will Arnett intervened by addressing his questionable actions directly.

For the first time, it became clear to me that I had an issue with substances like drugs and alcohol, Cooper shared during his 2022 interview on the Smartless podcast. That moment will always stand out in my memory.

As a devoted follower, I can attest that Arnett was instrumental in my journey towards sobriety. He bravely engaged me in a challenging conversation that led me to contemplate and ultimately decide to transform my life’s course.

Cooper played a significant role in helping the actor from Fight Club overcome his long battle with alcohol addiction. At the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards, he expressed gratitude to Cooper, stating, “I owe my sobriety to this man,” and adding that every day since then has been happier for him.

In September 2023, the former star of Cruel Intentions posted on Instagram that it had been the longest period since their teenage years that they hadn’t used any form of nicotine or marijuana (along with other substances) in their system.

In my perspective as a lifestyle expert, I can honestly say there’s nothing quite like the liberation of overcoming addictions and shaking off the need for substances. It’s more than just being clean; it’s about experiencing the depth of sobriety, the crystal-clear clarity, and that profound sense of spiritual connectedness that feels absolutely wonderful.

In 2018, while touring and openly marking six years of abstinence, the singer unexpectedly disclosed her struggle a short time afterward by releasing the candid song “Sober”, indicating a lapse in her sobriety.

Mommy, I’m truly sorry I’ve lost my sobriety again. Dad, I humbly ask for your forgiveness as I spilled drinks on the floor. To those who’ve always stood by me, I apologize – we’ve faced this situation before and I’m not sober right now.” She melodically expressed.

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

Two weeks ago, she posted on Instagram: “I’ve always been open about my battle with addiction.” She further explained, “This illness doesn’t vanish or weaken over time – it’s something I have to keep battling and haven’t won yet…Right now, I need space to mend and concentrate on my sobriety and path to recovery. The affection you’ve all shown me will always be treasured, and I eagerly anticipate the day when I can say I emerged victorious. I promise to keep fighting.

In 2018, she admitted struggling with addictions to both sex and alcohol. “My addictive tendencies are rather fluid; they change and shift. When I was younger, I believe I had an issue with a form of sexual addiction, yes, that I believed any problem could be solved through sex,” she explained, leading into her account of recognizing a concerning drinking habit.

She recalled hitting a particularly low point when she was alone at home, with two bottles of wine already finished and reaching for the third. Suddenly, she paused and reflected, “Wait a minute. Here you are, all alone in this house, drinking your third bottle of wine? There could be an issue here that needs addressing.

She stated, “I decided to quit abruptly, and I often do this kind of thing. I’m a person who easily gets engrossed in activities, so I must always be cautious. I can quickly become fixated on things.” She further explained, “It’s not about the action itself, but the reason behind it. The behavior associated with it. If you want to have a lot of sex, that’s fine, but why are you having all that sex? That’s what needs examination.

One of the Backstreet Boys band members experimented with drugs for the first time before recording the music video for “The Call” in the year 2000. In a later interview with Good Morning America, he admitted that he was extremely energetic during the filming, almost to the point of being out of control. He managed to overcome his addiction in 2021 and experienced numerous positive changes within a single year, such as shedding 32 pounds over a period of seven months by giving up alcohol and fast food.

In simpler terms, he stated during an interview with Today in September 2022 that consuming alcohol led to him gaining weight, but it also negatively impacted his mental health.

Following Mac Miller’s untimely demise, Bow Wow (formerly known as Shad Moss) took to Twitter to share his past struggle with an addiction to cough syrup. In a series of tweets, he admitted that during the recording of Omarion’s FACE OFF album and while appearing on BET, he was addicted to lean (a type of cough syrup). His behavior changed dramatically, causing fans and family members to turn against him. He confessed that while on tour with Chris Brown, he was consuming at least 7 cans of the syrup daily.

Bow Wow’s addiction led him to miss performances and even landed him in the hospital for withdrawals. He shared the pain he felt during this time, stating that it was unlike any other he had experienced. The summer heat didn’t phase him as he wore multiple hoodies due to feeling cold from the withdrawal symptoms.

He urged his followers to kick the habit and be responsible, emphasizing the importance of being a good child or parent, and encouraging them to strive for their best selves. Bow Wow vowed to be more vocal about the dangers of drug abuse, advocating for saving the youth from an early demise. He encouraged parents to pay close attention to their children and have open discussions about the risks associated with drug use.

Bow Wow ended his message by expressing his love for his fans, especially young artists and kids around the world. He urged them not to follow trends, but rather to break the cycle of drug abuse. His final message was a call to peace: “DRUG FREE IS THE WAY TO BTopMob smarten up tighten up out here,” he tweeted. “We can’t lose any more of you. Not one! I love all yall.

In 2018, Gwyneth Paltrow’s fourth studio album titled “No Shame” and her memoir “My Thoughts Exactly” saw release, during which she openly discussed the extreme depths of her addiction struggles. As per Allen, she had a habit of excessive cocaine use and drinking to near-intoxication levels, often becoming “almost parasitically drunk.” A significant turning point occurred when an incident at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party resulted in Paltrow accidentally headbutting Orlando Bloom and losing consciousness. This led Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow to stage an intervention.

She confided in The Guardian, “Nothing appeared capable of reaching or fulfilling me. One morning during those gloomy times, I awoke contemplating, ‘Perhaps it’s the turn of heroin, since nothing else seems effective.’

During the 1980s, an actor known for his role in “The Parent Trap” struggled with a cocaine addiction which led him to rehabilitation centers in 1990. He elaborated on this during his interview on “Today,” stating that he grew up in the ’60s and ’70s when there was a significantly more relaxed attitude towards drug use compared to current times.

In 2018, he confessed that he frequently used cocaine during the ’80s and it was even a part of some movie budgets. He often found himself pleading with God to take away his addiction, promising to never use it again as he had to be at work soon. However, by the afternoon, he’d think it wasn’t so bad.

He shared an intense personal event he referred to as a ‘white light experience,’ during which he felt like he was either deceased or losing everything valuable to him. With Meg Ryan, his then-fiancée, he had to discuss this unusual situation. Subsequently, he sought help and ended his tumultuous relationship with cocaine.

Following an occurrence at a hotel in Newport Beach where the Olympic swimmer attempted to break down his own door, Ryan Lochte decided to seek treatment in 2018. According to his representative, Lochte has struggled with alcohol addiction for a long time and unfortunately, it has led him into self-destructive behaviors. He has admitted that he needs professional help to overcome this issue and will be receiving assistance promptly.

Ryan understands that overcoming this illness is crucial for him to prevent future mistakes, to be an exceptional husband and father, and if he hopes to attain his aim of regaining dominance in the pool during the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

His relationship with Melanie Lynskey served as a significant motivator for the former Parenthood star, despite understanding that typically one shouldn’t give up alcohol for someone else, to ultimately decide to stop drinking.

During his interview on The Drew Barrymore Show in March 2023, he shared, “I realized she was extraordinary and I believed someone deserving would benefit from her qualities. However, I didn’t see myself as that worthy person; I felt somewhat unstable instead.

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 less difficult to claim that his actions were motivated by her well-being rather than expressing his own self-worth, as he remembered. At the time, he valued sparing her pain more than enduring it himself. Thus, initially, he would say, “I’m doing this for her.” Now, however, he acts for his own benefit.

The popular country singer has managed to stay sober for close to a decade, but achieving this wasn’t easy. His struggle with alcohol and prescription pain pills started shortly after he graduated from high school and continued even as his career took flight. He admitted that he always carried a black leather laptop bag containing bottles of Jagermeister or vodka within his immediate reach. He further shared that every hour and a half to two hours, he would take two or three strong swigs from the bottle. Additionally, every three or four hours, he would need one or two pills. This account was previously disclosed to People.

To be honest, I wasn’t floundering or struggling at all,” I shared. “In fact, I was quite productive – I penned more tunes back then than I manage now. That was the truly terrifying aspect.

In late 2011, he was admitted to the hospital due to pancreatitis, and medical professionals warned him that if he didn’t curb his drinking habits, he might not live to see another birthday. However, he continued to postpone any significant changes and attempted self-control methods, such as limiting his alcohol intake, for instance, ‘I’ll just have two drinks today.’ Or ‘I’ll only drink this much from my bottle and mark the bottle.’ This strategy worked temporarily, but then a friend would host a party.

Eventually, he recognized his need for assistance and checked himself into rehab on December 18, 2011. In his own words, “I reached a point where I knew I couldn’t overcome this challenge alone. It infuriated me and made me feel ashamed. I am usually quite determined, but this was the one area in my life that I couldn’t seem to manage.

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2025-09-02 18:48