Pete Davidson Reveals Heartbreaking Moment That Inspired His Sobriety

Pete Davidson needed brutal honesty to get him to a better place.

The former cast member of *Saturday Night Live*, who has been sober for over a year, revealed that his mother, Amy Waters Davidson, inspired him to get sober and stay that way.

Pete recently shared on the “This Past Weekend” podcast with Theo Von that his mom is incredibly supportive. He explained that during his time in rehab, she called him, confessing her greatest fear was seeing a news report about his death.

Okay, so, imagine this: my absolute idol, he’s 31 and Elsie Hewitt is *pregnant* with his baby! It’s amazing! But apparently, getting the news-whatever it was-really threw him for a loop. He said it was totally jarring, and honestly? I just want to know *everything* that happened to him!

He said she’s incredibly supportive and always tries to stay positive, which deeply touched him. It made him determined to live as long as she did, saying, ‘I decided I couldn’t let go as long as she was still here.’

After losing his father, Scott Davidson, in the September 11th attacks, the comedian is determined to protect his mother from any further pain.

As he put it, “I’d have to be a f–king sociopath to not get my s–t together.”

Amy, who is also the mother of 28-year-old Casey Davidson, is one of the many people who have supported Casey as he started his recovery.

He admitted that he tends to push away people who care about him, often reacting with anger and telling them to leave. He explained that those closest to him often receive the brunt of his negative emotions.

But he quickly discovered that his close friends and associates weren’t willing to tolerate what he considered his erratic and unusual actions.

He remembered thinking, ‘Oh no, she’s calling my bluff.’ He then told her, ‘I love you and I don’t want you to leave.’

And now, he’s happy his lowest lows have brought him to his highest highs.

Becoming a father with Elsie is a deeply meaningful moment, and he’s incredibly thankful to be sober and in a good place in his life. He expressed gratitude that this chapter is happening now, with her.

Pete has wanted to start a family for a long time, but he knew he couldn’t do it while struggling with addiction. He explained that getting sober was essential for making that dream a reality.

For more insight into stars’ 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 taken 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 never did before, and it’s really helpful. ‘AJ’ is a stage name or character I use, but it doesn’t represent who I truly am. My real name is Alexander James, and that’s who I am as a person.

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 motivational message.

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

He shared that he’s been sober for a year, something he’s incredibly proud of after a difficult journey. He encouraged anyone struggling with addiction to seek help, emphasizing 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 a cycle of going to therapy to address his issues, but then immediately afterward, he’d often go buy and drink a whole bottle of vodka and drive home. He explained that he knew how to drink enough to disconnect from his life and avoid facing his emotions.

Honestly, I was so impressed with how much thought he’d put into things. He told me he’d planned everything out perfectly – he wanted to be able to really *talk* to me, so he was carefully managing how much he drank. He even admitted he was constantly swapping out his drink with empty bottles at the bar to make sure he stayed clear-headed. It was really sweet, and showed how much he cared.

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 improperly. She explained she was taking it constantly, often going days without sleep. It was a chaotic time, and she worried about her health, feeling like she was pushing herself to the point of a heart attack. She admitted to crushing and snorting the pills, acknowledging it was a deeply problematic pattern.

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 found a book called *Man’s Search for Meaning* that profoundly impacted her. It helped her understand and cope with suffering by changing her perspective, and ultimately changed her 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’s struggling with addiction, specifically with cocaine. He admitted it was difficult to talk about.

He explained that he’s struggled with this issue intermittently since he was 23, and now, at 45, it continues to come and go. He’d sometimes manage to stop, but other times would find himself doing it a lot.

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

Tom Holland, known for his role as Spider-Man, quit drinking in 2022 because he felt controlled by his alcohol use. 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 also suggested that having a beer every day could be a sign of a problem.

The actor explained that you eventually hit a point where you regret having that extra drink. Then, you wake up with a really bad headache the next morning.

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

He explained that he was much more relaxed and 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 four decades ago.

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

Alec described his early years in Los Angeles after moving from New York in 1983 as a period of intense struggle with cocaine addiction. He admitted to using a large amount of the drug daily, comparing its prevalence at the time to that of coffee, and said it was common among many people.

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 meeting up with friends for 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 it wasn’t a good fit for me,” she said. “It felt drastic to have to completely decline, but I had to be firm. It’s like an allergy – if you have a severe reaction, you don’t question it. I finally stopped questioning my own feelings.”

Honestly, I’m so glad she chose to do that! She explained it perfectly – for her, and for me as a long-time supporter, things just *improved* across the board. She said it stopped her from getting stuck in negativity, and that really resonates with me. She doesn’t like to dwell on things, and neither do I, so it’s a fantastic approach.

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 damaging lifestyle almost ended her career.

I believe we all have key moments that shape our lives and future. Early in my career, I was heading down a really destructive path, and despite any successes I had, I always felt inadequate. I had very little self-worth, and that path quickly led to a crisis. At the time, I didn’t understand why, but it felt like something – perhaps fate – 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, explaining that they gave her an opportunity to get back on track 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 be where she was today without it.

Miley Cyrus revealed in 2022 that she’s been sober from Xanax since 2020. She told *Rolling Stone* that recovery provided much-needed structure and hope during a difficult time, helping her avoid getting lost in her own thoughts.

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 way to temporarily shut down their feelings marked the end of the struggle.

She explained that her friends at the time seemed to accept her drug use, which contributed to a downward spiral she described as a “bottomless pit.” During the pandemic, Miley Cyrus realized she was struggling and felt disconnected. She remembers frequently falling asleep and being unable to stay awake, indicating 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 became emotional realizing he had been missing out. He described a harsh internal monologue, repeatedly asking himself if he wanted to repeat past mistakes and lose out on life again. He pushed himself to persevere, even telling himself to do it for the sake of others if he couldn’t do it for himself.

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

He described how it activated a light. More importantly, he said he’d finally stopped feeling ashamed of being sober. Instead, he began to see his sobriety as a strength, something to be proud of accomplishing.

I was so proud to hear that the actor from *Parenthood* had been sober for 16 years – it’s a huge accomplishment! It was really tough to learn they had a setback in 2020, after getting hurt in a motorcycle accident and starting to take Vicodin again. It just shows how easily things can happen, even after so much time and effort.

He explained on his *Armchair Expert* podcast that he’s been taking prescription medication consistently for about the last two months, and is also taking additional 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 rapidly that he was now using eight pills, thirty milligrams each, every day. He realized this was a dangerous amount and worried about the severe withdrawal symptoms he’d face. He was becoming increasingly frightened and isolated, burdened by a huge secret he was keeping from everyone.

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

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. She confessed in a note left on her sister’s suitcase, anticipating the missing pills would be discovered before her sister left. Thankfully, her sister responded with love and concern, telling Curtis she wouldn’t stand by and watch her 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 this, 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. 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.

It’s amazing how freeing it feels to share who we really are and everything we’ve achieved, even though it also makes us feel open and exposed.

Okay, so Drew actually told the *Los Angeles Times* why she doesn’t really *like* being called ‘sober.’ She said it’s because she doesn’t want anyone to get the idea she’s suddenly become, like, a total saint or something! Honestly, it’s so relatable-she just wants to be herself, you know? She doesn’t want people thinking she’s perfect, and I *love* that about her.

She explained that she used to tell herself, ‘I can learn this, I can solve this.’ But eventually, she came to a different conclusion: ‘I’m not going to master this, and that’s okay.’

I’ve always admired Bradley Cooper, and I was really moved to learn more about his journey. Apparently, he went through a tough time with cocaine addiction in the early 2000s. Thankfully, his friend Will Arnett was there for him – he actually confronted Bradley about what was happening, which must have been incredibly brave, and ultimately helped him get on the path to recovery. It’s inspiring to see how supportive their friendship is.

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 said he’ll never forget.

I truly believe Arnett saved my life. He wasn’t afraid to have a really tough conversation with me, and that was exactly what I needed. It was the push that made me realize I needed to change, and I’ve been sober ever since. I owe him everything.

Edward Norton battled alcohol addiction for years until Bradley Cooper helped him get sober. 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.”

In September 2023, the former *Cruel Intentions* star revealed on Instagram that she hadn’t used nicotine or marijuana – or any substances, really – for the longest time since her teenage years.

He expressed gratitude for overcoming addiction and substance dependency, saying that achieving sobriety brings a sense of clarity and a deeper spiritual connection, which feels incredibly positive.

In 2018, the singer celebrated six years of being sober while on tour. However, she surprised her fans later that year with the release of her deeply personal song, “Sober,” in which she admitted to having struggled with relapse.

She sang, filled with regret, apologizing to her parents for falling off the wagon. ‘Mom, I’m truly sorry I’ve lost my sobriety,’ she confessed, and pleaded with her father to forgive the mess she’d made. She also expressed gratitude to those who had stood by her, acknowledging that this wasn’t the first time she’d struggled, and repeating her apology for being unable to stay 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 for the future and determined to keep fighting for her sobriety.

In 2018, she spoke about her past struggles with sex and alcohol. She explained that her addictions tended to shift over time, and when she was younger, she believed sex could solve any problem. She later realized this had developed into a more serious issue with drinking.

She recalled a particularly low point when she was home alone and nearly finished a third bottle of wine. It was then she realized she might have a drinking problem.

I stopped completely, which I’m capable of doing. I tend to get really fixated on things, so I always have to be careful. It’s not necessarily *what* someone does, but *how* and *why* they do it. The underlying behavior is what matters. For example, enjoying a lot of sex is fine, but it’s important to understand the reasons behind it.

Backstreet Boy AJ McLean revealed he first experimented with drugs right 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 in seven months by eliminating alcohol and junk food.

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

Following the unexpected death of Mac Miller, rapper Bow Wow-born Shad Moss-revealed on Twitter that he had previously battled an addiction to cough syrup, often referred to as ‘lean.’ He shared a candid account of his struggles, explaining that during the creation of his ‘Face Off’ album with Omarion, he was regularly using lean. He admitted to being high on the substance during a well-known on-stage incident with Torae on BET. Bow Wow explained that the drug use drastically changed his attitude, strained relationships with fans and family, and continued throughout his UCP tour with Chris Brown-where he was consuming it at least seven times a day. He recounted a frightening experience in Cincinnati where he collapsed backstage and woke up in the hospital experiencing withdrawal symptoms. He described the pain as unlike anything he’d ever felt, and detailed how he struggled with intense coldness and missed shows in Chicago and Baltimore due to being high and sick. Bow Wow emphasized that he was using the drug to fit in and urged others to avoid the same mistake, encouraging them to be better individuals and good family members. He expressed a desire to speak out and help save young people from similar fates, urging parents to educate their children about the dangers of drugs. He shared that he still suffers stomach problems as a result of his addiction and concluded by pleading with young artists and fans to break the cycle of drug use and prioritize their health and well-being, stating that being drug-free is the best path forward.

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 using cocaine and drinking heavily, describing herself as constantly intoxicated. Things came to a head when, after accidentally hitting Orlando Bloom with her head at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party and losing consciousness, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin organized an intervention to help her.

In an interview with *The Guardian*, she revealed a deeply difficult time, explaining that she felt constantly unfulfilled. She recalled a morning when she seriously considered trying heroin, feeling that nothing else could alleviate her pain.

The actor known for *The Parent Trap* struggled with cocaine addiction during the 1980s, leading him to seek treatment 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 described desperately pleading with God to help him stop, often right before work, only to find himself rationalizing his behavior just 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 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 abuse for years, and it had become a harmful cycle. He recognized the need for professional help and began treatment right away.

The statement ended by saying Ryan understands overcoming this illness is crucial, not just 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 regaining his place as a top swimmer.

Despite knowing you shouldn’t get sober for another person, Jason Ritter credits his relationship with Melanie Lynskey as a key 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.

Looking back on when they first started dating, he admitted it was simpler to justify his actions by saying he was doing them for her. He explained that he didn’t value his own well-being as much then and was more concerned with protecting her feelings. Initially, claiming he was motivated by love felt easier, but now he’s finally prioritizing his own needs.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to overcome addiction, and this country star’s story is a powerful example. He’s been sober for almost ten years now, but getting here wasn’t easy. It all started right after high school with alcohol and pain pills, and unfortunately, his career success didn’t help. He’s shared that he used to keep a laptop bag constantly stocked with Jagermeister or vodka – always within reach. He described a cycle of needing a drink every hour and a half to two hours, and then pain pills every three to four hours. It’s a really honest look at the daily struggle he faced.

Despite everything, it didn’t hinder his achievements. “I wasn’t falling apart,” he explained. “Actually, I was more productive then than I am 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 stop drinking. He admitted he initially tried to cut back on his own, setting daily limits like only taking a couple of pills or drinking a certain amount of alcohol and marking the bottle to keep track. While this worked for a few days, he found it difficult to maintain when social events arose.

Eventually, Gilbert realized he needed 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, saying, “It really bothered me, and I’m usually a strong person, but I just couldn’t make the necessary changes stick.”

2025-09-25 20:20

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