Paula Patton’s mission to maintain her sobriety didn’t feel impossible.
After some time, the experience of working in “Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol” inspired Julian Thicke, her 15-year-old son from her former marriage with Robin Thicke, to motivate her to address her issues with alcohol.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as follows: “During my recent interview on Today, I shared a personal revelation – my son is more than just my child, he’s my best friend. When I embarked on my journey towards sobriety, our bond deepened significantly. Our neighbor also became an integral part of my life, offering friendship that brought joy and vitality back into it. This beautiful connection reminds me every day of the countless reasons to cherish and embrace life.
To clarify, the actor who became famous for playing Precious has been globetrotting alongside Julian since 2018, marking her commitment to sobriety. This journey began three years after her divorce from Robin was finalized. Interestingly, she recently shared details about their latest adventure in Iceland.
She shared that late at night, around 11 p.m., her son and she embarked on a hike since it was still bright out. Upon reaching the summit, they discovered a warm stream of water, so they decided to take a refreshing dip in it. She exclaimed, ‘Where else can you do that? It’s just unbelievable!’
Now that Paula has found a peaceful spot in her sobriety, she’s able to delve into her life’s hardest struggles using art, such as her recent film Finding Faith. In this Lifetime movie, she takes on the character of Faith, who grapples with addiction, and immediately resonated with the role.
She pointed out that many aspects of the character resonated with her personal experiences, leading her to think, “Why hide the truth about my past? I’ve been sober for seven years!” she expressed. “I understand the struggle of navigating through turmoil and finding a way to peace.
As a die-hard admirer, I must confess, stepping back into the shoes of Faith was nothing short of nerve-wracking for me – Paula. The mindset of being under the influence, a place I once called home on set, felt eerily unfamiliar yet terrifyingly close. However, with an unyielding determination, I discovered a technique that not only helped me slip back into character but ensured a safe and responsible portrayal.
She shared, “I reached out to friends from that period asking them to recall my behavior, and I also revisited the music I used to listen to during those days. However, something shifted in me. I managed to extend myself forgiveness and simply acknowledge, ‘At that time, you were doing your best with what you had. You didn’t realize any better back then, but now you do, and that’s alright.’
Keep reading to see other stars who have spoken out about their sobriety journeys…
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’s committed to seeing this through until the end. He’s making consistent efforts, but it’s been a turning point for him – something recommended within the sober community – and his life has taken a significantly better course as a result.
While AJ acknowledged he is “still learning, still growing,” he’s now confident in who he is.
He added, “I’ve come across fresh expressions like ‘boundaries,’ something I hadn’t previously known. Now I do, and it’s a good thing. AJ belongs to a group, yet he doesn’t determine my personal identity. Instead, Alexander James is who I essentially am.
Last October, I, an over-the-moon fan, couldn’t help but rejoice alongside the charismatic star of “American Pie” as he proudly declared his one-year sobriety milestone on a heartwarming Instagram post, filled with optimism and inspiration for all!
5 years back, he struggled with his addiction to alcohol and drugs, as their burden grew unbearable for him. He penned, “I initially attempted to break free from it.” Later, he discovered that quitting was a difficult task.
He went on to say, “After a rocky road, I’ve successfully completed a year without alcohol. This accomplishment ranks high among my achievements. For those who are grappling with the same issue, remember there is support available. Never let shame hold you back. Together, we can overcome this.
In time, he looked back on his experience with substance abuse and the great extremes he took to conceal his battle.
In a March 2024 episode of his wife Jenny Mollen’s “All the Fails” podcast, he shared that he was attending therapy and addressing issues, but afterwards, following a productive therapy session, he visited a liquor store, purchased a bottle of vodka, consumed it, and drove home. He explained that he had learned to drink enough to become intoxicated, thereby detaching himself from life and avoiding feelings in the present moment.
He remarked, ‘I’d calculated everything perfectly. I made sure not to drink so much that I couldn’t talk to you. I was constantly swapping out the empty bottles at the bar.’
The twice-crowned FIFA Women’s World Cup winner has openly discussed her past abuse of Adderall, a medication she used to cope with injuries during her university soccer years.
In a 2025 episode of the “Question Everything with Danielle Robay” podcast, she admitted to becoming heavily dependent on Adderall and abusing it excessively. She would constantly take it, often going without sleep for extended periods. It got out of hand; she felt like she was pushing herself towards a heart attack. She would crush it and snort it, making the situation even more problematic.
However, in the midst of her struggle, her college coach Anson Dorrance was there to support her.
In the depth of darkness, I found myself needing to adapt significantly,” I shared. “Anson encouraged me to explore new ideas through books, and one such book that left an indelible impact was ‘Man’s Search for Meaning’. This profound work delves into the themes of suffering and its transformative power, and it has truly reshaped my life.
The Valley star shared his decades-long battle with drugs in March 2025 after going to rehab.
During a March 4 episode of Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast, Jax confessed that he struggles with addiction, focusing mainly on cocaine. He admitted it wasn’t easy to admit this publicly.
He mentioned, “I’ve had periods of struggling with this issue, starting from when I was 23 years old up until now at 45. At some points, I managed to avoid it altogether, but at other times, I found myself becoming deeply involved.
Apart from quitting cocaine, Jax has also decided to abstain from alcohol as well. He stated, “I’m not necessarily convinced that I have an alcohol problem, but they often go together. I can’t use cocaine without drinking first. Therefore, I chose to give up both substances. I am proud to announce that I have been sober for 82, 83 days now, which is the longest stretch in my life without either of them.
The actor who played Spider-Man in “Spider-Man: No Way Home” gave up alcohol consumption in 2022, admitting he felt trapped by it. On the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast, Holland admitted to having an addiction and stated that anyone drinking daily might have a hidden issue.
After that point, you’d find yourself thinking, “Oh dear, I wish I hadn’t had that extra beer,” the actor went on. The following morning, you’d be dealing with a throbbing headache.
After adopting the new lifestyle, Holland found that he sleeps more deeply and manages issues more effectively.
He confided that situations on set that typically upset him no longer phased him. Instead, he found himself remaining calm and composed. He experienced a significant improvement in his mental state. He felt more alert and vigorous, both mentally and physically.
The lead actor from the movie “The Hunt for Red October” doesn’t usually discuss his struggle with sobriety, a battle he started nearly four decades ago.
He noted during his May 2024 podcast that he doesn’t often talk about it but occasionally does so when it seems appropriate. He also shared that he has been sober for 39 years, achieving sobriety on February 23, 1985.
In 1983, when Alec relocated from New York City to Los Angeles, he faced an intense struggle with addiction for two years. He admitted that he used cocaine almost excessively, stating it felt as common as drinking coffee at the time, and people were consuming it constantly throughout the day.
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 leaves him feeling relaxed, revealing unique perspectives of his hometown he hadn’t seen before. As he walks around, he notices details like the architecture of buildings he had overlooked before, such as their distinctive doors. He spends time with friends over meals and coffee.
In an interview with the New York Times in April 2024, the actress from The Princess Diaries announced that she has been sober for over five years. Expressing her feelings about this achievement, she stated, “This feels like a significant moment for me.
The clarity of her thoughts was evident as she admitted, “I knew instinctively that it wasn’t suitable for me,” and further explained, “It felt excessively harsh to say ‘none,’ but none it was. Just like when one has an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis to something, you don’t debate it. So I chose to stop debating it.
In my own words, I am delighted I made that choice. It has significantly improved my life, as I shared later on. For me, it served as a catalyst for growth rather than a place of self-pity. And let me be clear, I am not one to dwell in negativity.
During her acceptance speech for the 2018 Woman of the Year Award, bestowed upon her by the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House – a home designed to help women overcome addiction to substances and alcohol – Moore discussed her near-career-derailing “self-destructive journey”.
The star shared that there are significant moments in life which mold our identity and future, and early in their career, they found themselves on a self-destructive path despite achieving success. They never felt satisfied with themselves, and this destructive pattern led them to a critical point in their life. At the time, it wasn’t clear why this was happening, but looking back, they believe it may have been some kind of divine guidance.
In 2012, Moore expressed gratitude towards two individuals she barely knew for presenting her with a sort of turning point in her life. She jokingly said, “Unless I’m deceased, I better make an appearance,” and further explained that this encounter provided her with the opportunity to alter the trajectory of her life before it was ruined completely.
Moore remarked that others seemed to perceive more of his abilities than he did himself. He expressed deep gratitude for this perception, as without it and the faith they had in him, he might not be where he is today.
In 2022, Cyrus revealed that she has been recovering from her Xanax addiction since 2020. Speaking with Rolling Stone, she explained, “Xanax provided me with the structure I desperately needed during a time when my life was chaotic. I didn’t want to be idle and lost in my thoughts, so it offered me hope.
The performer remarked, ‘When I believed that for a moment, I could mute the world and lessen your sorrow, that was when it ended.’
She mentioned that her friends back then tacitly supported her drug abuse, which eventually led to a deep, enveloping abyss. However, during the pandemic, Cyrus admitted she encountered difficulties and felt emotionally detached. “I kept dozing off and falling asleep,” she reminisced. “And I was unable to maintain my consciousness or keep my eyes open because I had sunk so deeply.
She eventually sought help and noted that “it took some time to get on my own two feet.”
In his 2025 documentary titled “Stans“, the artist famous for “Lose Yourself” shared insights about his past struggles with prescription pills. He recounted a near-fatal overdose and missing his daughter Hailie Jade’s birthday party, which served as significant catalysts for him to make necessary changes in his life.
He expressed his emotion by stating, “I felt devastated as if I had just missed an incredible opportunity,” he said in the document. “I kept reminding myself, ‘Do you want to keep missing out on this? Do you want to miss everything if you can’t seize it? If you can’t do it for yourself, then do it for them.’
Over time, refocusing his efforts towards his music proved beneficial for the Oscar-winner in maintaining his path to sobriety.
He clarified that the thing had taken action, specifically turning the light on. Reflecting on his personal journey, he shared that he no longer feels ashamed about his sobriety. Instead, he began viewing it as a powerful ability and found satisfaction in overcoming addiction.
As a committed adherent, I’ve managed to maintain sobriety for an impressive 16 years, but unfortunately, that changed in the year 2020 when I found myself turning to Vicodin following a motorbike mishap.
For 16 years, I’ve proudly kept my commitment to sobriety. However, I had a setback in 2020 after a motorcycle accident led me to seek relief with Vicodin.
Over the past two months or so, he admitted on his “Armchair Expert” podcast, “I’ve been using these medications quite frequently throughout the day.” He added that since he has a prescription for them, it is permissible, but he also takes additional doses.
He went on to express his dislike for the situation, admitting he was deceiving others. He acknowledged the need to stop but found himself tolerating more and more, now consuming eight 30mg doses daily – an amount he knew would lead to a severe withdrawal. This realization filled him with fear and loneliness, and he felt weighed down by a heavy secret.
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 period filled with stealing and deceit,” she confided in People, “Nobody knew. Nobody.
As I recall the scorching summer of 1998, when my sister graced our home with her presence, little did I know that it would mark a turning point in my life. She had carried with her a prescription for painkillers, intended for a rib injury. In a moment of desperation, I found myself at the lowest ebb, helplessly reaching for those opiates hidden in our guest room closet.
Looking back, it’s a memory that still brings tears to my eyes. “I had taken them,” I confessed to the publication, choking up as I recalled the moment. Knowing she would soon pack her suitcase and realize her pills were missing, I penned a heartfelt note and left it on her case. Upon returning home, she wrapped me in a warm embrace, expressing her love and concern for my well-being. She voiced her unwillingness to stand by as I self-destructed.
On February 3, 1999, she went to her first meeting, and it was also the day she shared her struggle with her filmmaker spouse, Christopher Guest. He found it hard to believe he hadn’t noticed before, as Curtis stated. Since then, she has maintained sobriety.
2021 saw Drew Barrymore publicly announcing an important milestone in her personal journey. She shared, during an interview on CBS Mornings, that a significant period of abstinence from alcohol had passed – approximately two and a half years. She expressed, “For the first time in a long while, I’m ready to say this: I have not touched a drop of alcohol for two and a half years.” Reflecting on her past experiences, she added, “I realized that it was not beneficial to my life.
She noted that it feels both freeing and exposing when we openly share our true selves, including our accomplishments, as if we’re baring our souls.”
This paraphrased version attempts to convey the same meaning while using simpler language and a more concise structure. It also aims to maintain a friendly and approachable tone.
Later on, Barrymore clarified to the Los Angeles Times that she prefers not to identify as “sober,” as she doesn’t wish to be perceived as a flawless and pious individual.
In 2023, she reflected, “I’ve been telling myself, ‘I’ll get a handle on this, I’ll find a solution,’ but eventually, it dawned on me: ‘This is something I may never truly master.’
In the 2000s, the actor from the movie “A Star Is Born” faced challenges with cocaine addiction. However, during this period, his friend Will Arnett intervened and addressed his questionable behavior directly.
During his 2022 interview on the Smartless podcast, Cooper vividly remembered that moment as the first time he acknowledged his struggles with substance abuse, an experience he would never forget.
Attributing his sobriety to Arnett, Cooper stated, “He bravely initiated a difficult conversation with me, which led me to contemplate and ultimately decide to transform my life.
The leading actor of Fight Club battled alcohol addiction for several years, but Cooper assisted him in achieving sobriety. At the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards, he expressed his gratitude to the audience, stating, “I owe my sobriety to this individual, and every day has been happier since then.
In September 2023, the former star of Cruel Intentions posted on Instagram that it had been the longest time since his teenage years that he had been without any form of nicotine or cannabis, as well as other substances, in his system.
He expressed gratitude for the liberation from addiction and substances, stating that being clean and clear-minded, along with a stronger spiritual connection, truly brings a sense of well-being.
In 2018, while openly marking six years without alcohol during her tour, the artist surprised her followers later that year by releasing the candid song “Sober”, disclosing that she had experienced a relapse.
In a gentle and understandable tone, the lyrics could be rephrased as:
“Mom, I’m truly sorry but I’ve lost my sobriety again / Dad, please find it in your heart to forgive me for the spilled drinks on the floor / To those who have always stood by me, I apologize sincerely – we’ve been through this before, and I’m not sober anymore,” she sang.
A month later, Lovato was hospitalized for a near-fatal overdose.
She expressed on Instagram two weeks ago that she’s been open about her struggles with addiction. What she’s discovered is that this disease doesn’t vanish or weaken over time; it’s something she must persistently battle and hasn’t conquered yet…She now requires time to mend and concentrate on her sobriety and path to recovery. The affection you’ve all shown me won’t be forgotten, and I eagerly anticipate the day when I can say I have emerged victorious. I will continue to fight.
Looking back on 2018, I can’t help but remember my personal struggle with compulsive behaviors surrounding sex and alcohol. It was like a rollercoaster ride, these cravings would come and go, sometimes focusing on one vice, then shifting to another. As a younger person, I felt an intense belief that any problem could be solved through intimacy, that every challenge could be conquered by the allure of sex.”
“However, it wasn’t until later that I acknowledged my unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I recall that moment vividly when I realized I had crossed a line and was grappling with a troublesome drinking problem.
She recalled hitting a low point when she was alone at home, with two bottles of wine already finished and another one within reach,” she said. “And she thought to herself, ‘Wait a minute. Alone at home, reaching for the third bottle of wine? This could be an issue.’
She mentioned that she stopped abruptly, and this is characteristic of her – she can quit things cold turkey. You see, she has a tendency to get deeply engrossed in activities, so she needs to keep herself in check. It’s not just about the action itself, but the motivation behind it. If you enjoy having a lot of sex, that’s fine, but you should examine why you’re doing it so much. That’s the key point to consider.
The Backstreet Boys band member experimented with drugs for the first time prior to filming the music video for “The Call” in 2000. In a later interview with Good Morning America, he admitted that he felt incredibly energized during the shoot, almost as if he was on the walls. After achieving sobriety in 2021, he reported numerous positive changes within just one year, including shedding 32 pounds over a period of seven months by giving up alcohol and fast food.
In a conversation with Today in September 2022, he stated that consuming alcohol led to an increase in his weight, yet it also negatively impacted his mental well-being.
Following Mac Miller’s untimely demise, the rapper formerly known as Bow Wow shared on Twitter his past struggle with codeine addiction. In a series of tweets, he admitted to abusing lean (a term for codeine-based syrup) during the recording of the album “Face Off” with Omarion. He revealed that his attitude and behavior changed while under the influence, causing strain among his fans and family. Bow Wow explained that he was addicted to sipping 4-times daily lean throughout the UCP tour with Chris Brown, but managed to kick the habit after an incident in Cincinnati where he passed out backstage and was hospitalized due to withdrawal symptoms.
Bow Wow described the experience as unbearably painful, stating that he walked around wearing multiple hoodies because he was constantly cold. He missed shows in Chicago and Baltimore due to his addiction. He implored his followers to abandon these harmful substances, encouraging them to be responsible and strive for personal growth. Bow Wow expressed concern over the increasing number of young lives lost to drug abuse, urging parents to closely monitor their children and educate them about the dangers of drugs. He concluded by advising young artists and kids worldwide to break the cycle of addiction and promote a healthier lifestyle. Peace.
2018 saw Gwyneth Paltrow’s fourth studio album, “No Shame,” and her memoir, “My Thoughts Exactly,” both hit the shelves. Through these releases, she was incredibly open about the peak of her addiction struggles. As per Allen’s account, she had fallen into a pattern of excessive cocaine use and heavy drinking, often reaching a state of being “almost parasitically drunk.” A significant turning point came when an incident at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party occurred – she inadvertently headbutted Orlando Bloom, causing herself to faint. This led Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow to stage an intervention.
In conversation with The Guardian, she admitted, “I felt utterly unsatisfied and empty. One gloomy morning during those difficult times, I contemplated, ‘Perhaps I should try heroin, as nothing else seems effective.’
During the 1980s, an actor famous for his role in The Parent Trap struggled with cocaine addiction, which eventually led him to rehabilitation in 1990. In a later interview on Today, he shared that growing up during the ’60s and ’70s, there was a significantly different perspective towards drug use compared to today.
2018 saw him confess that he was essentially using cocaine almost every day during the ’80s. He acknowledged his struggle with addiction, pleading with God to take it away and promising never to do it again as he had to be at work soon. However, come 4 o’clock in the afternoon, his perspective would change, saying “it’s not so bad.
He described a profound moment, which he referred to as an intense illumination, during which he envisioned his own demise or loss of everything significant in his life. Overwhelmed by this experience, he needed to confide in his partner, Meg Ryan, at the time, about what was happening. Subsequently, he decided it was time to seek help and ended his relationship with cocaine.
In 2018, I found myself at a crossroads after an unfortunate event in Newport Beach. This incident served as a wake-up call for me, as it highlighted my long-standing struggle with alcohol addiction. Over the years, this battle has taken a toll on my life and, unfortunately, it had become a self-destructive pattern that I couldn’t break free from alone.
Recognizing the need for help, I have decided to seek professional treatment and am immediately seeking assistance to overcome this challenge. This is not a decision made lightly, but one that I believe is essential for my well-being and future.
For Ryan, overcoming this illness is crucial at this moment because it will help him avoid future regrets, enable him to perform optimally as a husband and father, and if he aims to compete again in the pool during the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, he needs to do so now.
It’s worth noting that, much like many in recovery, the former star of “Parenthood” acknowledges the advice against getting sober for someone else. However, his relationship with Melanie Lynskey significantly influenced his decision to give up alcohol.
During his interview on The Drew Barrymore Show in March 2023, he shared that at some point he realized how extraordinary she was and believed she would be perfect for someone truly deserving. However, he admitted to feeling that he wasn’t that person, as he felt a bit unstable or chaotic.
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 have a high opinion of his self-worth. He was more concerned about causing pain to her than to himself. Consequently, it was easier for him to assert, “I’m doing this for her.” Now, however, he is acting for his own sake.
For approximately a decade now, the nation’s singer has managed to stay sober, but achieving this milestone wasn’t easy. His battle with alcohol and painkillers started shortly after he graduated from high school and persisted even as his career flourished. He confessed that he carried a black leather laptop bag containing bottles of Jagermeister or vodka, always within easy reach. Throughout the day, he admitted to taking two or three strong swigs every hour and a half to two hours, and every three or four hours, he would take one or two pills.
He acknowledged that it didn’t hinder his achievement, saying, “I wasn’t tripping or anything throughout the day,” he explained. “I was in top form – I wrote more songs back then than I do currently. That’s what was truly frightening.
Towards the end of 2011, he was admitted to the hospital due to pancreatitis, and was warned that if he continued drinking, he might not celebrate his next birthday. However, he tried to curb his habit gradually without professional help, such as saying, “Alright, I’ll only take two pills today” or “I’ll only drink this much from my bottle and make a mark on the bottle.” This strategy worked for a few days, but then someone would throw a party.
In my journey, I reached a turning point where I realized that I needed external support. On December 18, 2011, I made the decision to check into rehab. As someone who prides myself on my resilience, this was an incredibly humbling experience. It was both infuriating and embarrassing to admit that there was something in my life I couldn’t conquer alone. However, it became apparent that this was one challenge that required professional help.
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