Martha Plimpton is reflecting fondly on her ex River Phoenix.
The actress from “Raising Hope” shared that she had a lasting friendship with the actor who passed away in 1993 at the young age of 23, having dated him for four years during the ’80s and ’90s. They managed to stay friends until his unfortunate demise.
Martha shared during the July 17 episode of Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s “Dinner’s On Me” podcast, “Even after we parted ways, we managed to stay friends.” She continued, “We were each other’s first loves. Those kinds of relationships aren’t easily forgotten. They stick with you. They’re too significant and life-changing to simply let go.
Highlighting the significance of their friendship, the Emmy-winning actor – who collaborated with River in the 1986 film “The Mosquito Coast” and 1988’s “Running on Empty” – stated, “It plays a crucial role in shaping who I am. Absolutely, we remained friends.
Moreover, Martha elaborated on the challenges the late Oscar-nominated individual encountered due to his fame, as he ultimately succumbed to acute overdose from multiple drugs.
River struggled significantly with fame at his age,” he went on. “It was overwhelming for him as he wasn’t sure how to navigate it all. Despite his desire to make a positive impact, the complexities of Hollywood proved too challenging.
As time passed and River gained greater fame, it grew increasingly challenging for her, she explained. His inherent innocence and love-driven nature made him less prepared than others to deal with the complexities that came with his rising stardom.
Regardless of the challenges he faced, Martha clarified that River was constantly encouraged by his brother, Joaquin Phoenix, and their entire family.
She stated, “He was fortunate to have me and his relatives by his side. His siblings, to be precise. Managing his illness alone was an extremely challenging ordeal for him, and I believe he could have excelled remarkably if he had the help that he deserved.
Martha stated, “I believe if he’d received assistance, he could have become a remarkable champion for sobriety and those battling addiction. Tragically, his life was cut short before he could fulfill this potential.
In the days following his departure, she emotionally expressed, “I miss him each and every day, without exception.
Read on for more stars who have been open about their experiences with addiction and sobriety.
Last October 2018, the actor famed for American Pie shared an uplifting Instagram message to celebrate reaching a full year of sobriety.
5 years back, he attempted to quit his addiction to alcohol and drugs as the burden grew unmanageable. He penned down that it was tougher than he had anticipated.
He went on saying, “After some ups and downs, I’ve successfully maintained a year without alcohol. I am just as proud of this achievement as any other in my life. If you’re finding it difficult, remember there is support available. Don’t let embarrassment hold you back. Together, we can overcome this.
Later on in life, he looked back at his experiences with addiction and considered the great efforts he took to conceal his battle.
He shared on an episode of his wife Jenny Mollen’s ‘All the Fails’ podcast in March 2024 that he was attending therapy and addressing issues, but after a productive session, he decided to leave therapy. Instead, he went to the liquor store, bought a bottle of vodka, drank it, and then drove home. He admitted that he knew how to drink enough to detach himself from his life, avoiding connections that would stir up emotions.
He commented, “I had everything planned perfectly. I made sure not to drink so much that I couldn’t talk to you. In fact, I was constantly swapping out the bottles at the bar.
The two-time winner of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Cup has been candid about her past misuse of Adderall, a medication she used to cope with injuries during her college soccer years.
She confessed on an episode of the Question Everything with Danielle Robay podcast in 2025 that she had developed a severe addiction to Adderall and had been abusing it. She admitted to taking it constantly, often going without sleep for days. She described her behavior as reckless, fearing she might have a heart attack. She was not only consuming it orally but also snorting it. The situation was clearly causing her problems.
However, in the midst of her struggle, her college coach Anson Dorrance was there to support her.
She described how it became extremely dark and required significant changes, but Anson encouraged her to read. She picked up a book titled ‘Man’s Search for Meaning‘ which explores the themes of suffering, reinterpretation, and transformation. It significantly impacted her life.
The Valley star shared his decades-long battle with drugs in March 2025 after going to rehab.
In the March 4th episode of Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast, Jax confessed, “I struggle with addiction, mainly to cocaine. Admitting it aloud is difficult for me.
He mentioned that he has had periods of struggling with it, off and on, starting from when he was 23 years old. At times, he managed to abstain, but there were other instances where he became quite engrossed in it. Now, at the age of 45, he is still grappling with this issue.
Jax chose to stop consuming alcohol as he realized that it often accompanies his use of cocaine. He stated, “I don’t believe I have a severe alcohol issue, but they tend to go together. I can’t use cocaine without drinking first. Consequently, I decided to quit both substances. I am pleased to announce that I’ve been sober for 82, 83 days now, which is the longest stretch in my life without either.
The actor who played Spider-Man in “No Way Home” gave up alcohol in 2022, admitting he felt like it had control over him. He stated on the “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” podcast that he was indeed addicted to alcohol and wasn’t hiding from that fact. He added that anyone who drinks a beer every day might have a problem with alcohol.
Afterward, you’d find yourself in a situation where you might think, ‘Gee, I wish I hadn’t had that final drink last night,'” the actor went on. “The next morning, you’d awaken with a throbbing headache.
Ever since I’ve embraced this life transformation, let me tell you, I’ve been sleeping like a baby and dealing with troubles as if they were nothing more than a breeze. It’s amazing!
In my professional experience as a lifestyle advisor, I’ve learned to handle unexpected challenges on set with grace rather than letting them upset me. This newfound calmness stems from an improvement in my mental clarity. I feel more focused and sharper. Additionally, this shift has also positively impacted my physical well-being. I find myself feeling stronger and healthier overall.
In simpler terms, the main character from “The Hunt for Red October” seldom discusses his alcohol recovery journey, a process that started nearly four decades back.
He mentioned that the topic doesn’t come up frequently but occasionally if it’s relevant. He has been sober for 39 years now, achieving sobriety on February 23, 1985.
Discussing his life after relocating from New York City to Los Angeles in 1983, Alec described a struggle with drug addiction that consumed him for two years. He admitted that he used so much cocaine during this period, it felt like he had snorted lines from here to Saturn. Essentially, he said, cocaine was as common and accepted as coffee back then, and people were using it constantly.
And after quitting the drug, he soon turned to alcohol—only to also quit that dependency.
Today, he relies on the city around him.
He confided that New York leaves him feeling relaxed. As he roams about, he discovers parts of it he had never noticed before. He might gaze at a structure and exclaim, “I can’t believe I hadn’t noticed that detail on that building, those doors!” He spends time with friends over meals and coffee.
Back in April 2024, the actress from “The Princess Diaries” revealed that she has been sober for over five years. In her own words, she shared with the New York Times, “This seems like a significant achievement to me.
Her thought process was straightforward. She admitted, “I instinctively knew it wasn’t suitable for me.” And it seemed so intense to have to say ‘absolutely not,’ but she said it anyway. If someone has an allergy or experiences a severe reaction to something, they don’t debate it. So, she chose to stop debating it as well.
She expressed her satisfaction with the choice she made, adding, “I find myself thriving in this situation.” Moreover, she mentioned, “It served as a stepping stone for me, not a place to dwell.” In other words, she prefers to move forward rather than linger.
During her acceptance speech for the 2018 Woman of the Year award at the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House, a home dedicated to helping women overcome addiction to substances and alcohol, Moore discussed the self-destructive journey that almost caused her career’s downfall.
The celebrity shared that they experienced pivotal moments in life that significantly influenced who they became and their choices. At the start of their career, they found themselves on a self-destructive path despite achievements. Regardless of their successes, they always felt inadequate. They had no respect for themselves, leading them to a critical juncture. The cause wasn’t obvious at the time, but looking back, it may have been some form of guidance from above.
In 2012, Moore acknowledged her gratitude towards two individuals whom she barely knew for presenting a sort of turning point in her life. Essentially, they told her that unless she was deceased, she had to make an appearance, and she playfully commented on this with, “Unless I was dead, I better show up.” She further explained that these people gave her the opportunity to alter the trajectory of her life before it all came crashing down.
Moore remarked, “They seemed to know me better than I knew myself.” He expressed his gratitude for this, stating that if they hadn’t recognized him and believed in him, he wouldn’t be where he is now.
In 2022, Cyrus disclosed that she has been recovering from her Xanax addiction since 2020. She explained to Rolling Stone that the drug provided her with a sense of structure during a time when she desperately needed it, as she didn’t want to be idle and overwhelmed by her thoughts. She also shared that Xanax brought her hope.
The singer remarked, “When I believed I could momentarily quiet the world and lessen your suffering, that was the end of it.
She mentioned that her friends at one point seemed to tacitly approve of her drug use, creating a vicious cycle that felt like an endless, dark abyss. However, during the pandemic, Cyrus admitted she faced difficulties and felt emotionally detached. “I kept nodding off and falling asleep,” she reminisced, adding that she struggled to stay awake or keep her eyes open because she was so deeply engrossed in her condition.
She eventually sought help and noted that “it took some time to get on my own two feet.”
Previously abstinent from alcohol or drugs for a span of 16 years, the former star of Parenthood unfortunately fell back into substance use in 2020 when he took Vicodin following a motorcycle mishap.
Over the past two months or so, he explained on his Armchair Expert podcast, “I’ve been using these medications quite extensively throughout the day, but I’m permitted to do so due to a prescription. Additionally, I’m taking extra doses beyond what the prescription specifies.
In my own words, I shared my distress, “I find myself stuck in a vicious cycle. I’ve been deceiving those around me, and it’s something I deeply regret. I sense the need for change, but my tolerance is escalating at an alarming rate. Now, I’m consuming eight 30mg pills daily, a quantity I know will trigger severe withdrawal symptoms. This realization fills me with fear, and I’ve started to feel incredibly isolated. The weight of this secret I carry is overwhelming.
Back in 2018, the star of Halloween opened up about my decade-long struggle with opiate addiction, which started in the late ’80s following a minor cosmetic procedure to address my inherited puffy eyes. This simple prescription drastically altered the course of my life. “I embarked on a 10-year journey of stealing and manipulating,” I confessed to People magazine. “Nobody knew, not a soul.
In the summer of 1998, when her sister visited and carried painkillers for a rib injury, Curtis realized she had reached her lowest point. As she recounted to the publication, tears welling in her eyes, “I knew she had them stowed away in our guest room closet.” Essentially, I took all her opiates. Upon her departure, I was aware that she would pack and notice the missing pills. I felt compelled to confess my actions to her, so I penned a note and left it on her suitcase. When I returned home that day, she embraced me, expressing her love and concern, and revealing her unwillingness to watch me self-destruct.
On February 3, 1999, she went to her inaugural 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,” Curtis stated, mentioning that she has remained sober since then.
In 2021, Barrymore, who has previously dealt with alcohol and drug addiction issues, announced a significant achievement in her recovery journey. She stated, on the show CBS Mornings, “For the first time in a while, I’m ready to share this: It’s been two and a half years since I last had a drink of alcohol.” She further explained that this choice no longer serves her well in her life.
She remarked, “It’s quite amusing. When we expose our identities, our hidden aspects, and the accomplishments we’ve labored over, it simultaneously feels empowering and exposing.
Later on, Barrymore clarified to the Los Angeles Times that she avoids using the term “sober” as she doesn’t wish to give off an impression of being a flawless or pious figure.
2023 found me repeatedly mulling over, ‘I shall conquer this. I’ll find a way.’ However, it wasn’t until then that I truly understood: ‘I’ve never truly mastered this, nor will I ever.’
During the 2000s, the actor from “A Star Is Born” battled a cocaine addiction, but eventually, his friend Will Arnett intervened and addressed his questionable actions directly with him.
During his 2022 interview on the Smartless podcast, Cooper shared that it was the first moment he acknowledged having issues with substance abuse, an experience he would never forget.
As a devoted follower, I can attest that Arnett played a pivotal role in my decision to lead a sober life. By bravely engaging in a challenging conversation with me, he set the stage for me to embark on a journey of self-transformation and make the choice to alter the course of my life.
In simpler terms, the actor who starred in Fight Club battled alcohol addiction for years, but later managed to get sober thanks to Cooper. He expressed his gratitude to the audience at the 2020 National Board of Review Annual Awards, saying “I owe my sobriety to this man,” and added that every day since then has been happier.
In September 2023, the former star of Cruel Intentions posted on Instagram that it had been the longest stretch since their teenage years without any form of nicotine or cannabis in their body, along with other substances.
He expressed gratitude for the liberation experienced after overcoming addictions and no longer relying on substances. In his words, “Sobriety brings a sense of clarity, a strong spiritual connection, and an undeniable feeling of well-being.
2018 saw me triumphantly marking six years of sobriety amidst my tours, a moment that left fans ecstatic. However, the tide turned later that very year when I confounded everyone with the unveiling of “Sober”, a heart-wrenching single that disclosed my unfortunate relapse.
Mama, I apologize for my state, I’ve lost my sobriety again / Daddy, please forgive me for the alcohol I spilled on the floor / To those who have always stood by me, I’m truly sorry, I can’t stay sober anymore,” she sung.
A month later, Lovato was hospitalized for a near-fatal overdose.
Two weeks ago, she posted on Instagram that her struggle with addiction has always been clear. She went on to explain that this illness does not vanish or weaken over time; instead, it’s something she must keep battling and hasn’t fully conquered yet. At present, she needs time for healing and to concentrate on her sobriety and the path towards recovery. The affection you have all shown her will never be erased from her memory, and she eagerly awaits the day when she can declare that she has emerged victorious. She remains determined in her fight against it.
In 2018, she shared her struggles with addictions to both sex and alcohol. “My addictions shift and change. When I was younger, I believe I had an addiction to sex, yes, that I thought everything could be solved through sexual encounters,” she explained, before discussing how she recognized she had a serious drinking problem.
I recall hitting rock-bottom one time when I found myself alone at home, with two bottles of wine already downed and reaching for a third. Suddenly, it dawned on me: ‘Whoa there! Here I am, all by myself, polishing off bottle number three of wine? Maybe it’s time to take a closer look.’
She shared that she stopped abruptly (went cold turkey). You see, I tend to dive headfirst into things (I’m a binger), so I need to be mindful and watch out for becoming overly absorbed in things. It’s not the action itself but the reason behind it that matters. Whether you engage in lots of sexual activity or not, it’s crucial to examine why you’re doing it. The behavior connected to it is what needs scrutiny because if you enjoy a lot of sex, that’s fine, but it’s important to understand the motivation driving such actions.
One of the Backstreet Boys band members experimented with drugs for the first time prior to filming their music video for “The Call” in 2000. He confessed much later on Good Morning America that he felt incredibly energetic during the shooting, but struggled with addiction issues. After achieving sobriety in 2021, he experienced numerous positive changes within a year – including shedding 32 pounds over a seven-month period by giving up alcohol and fast food.
He mentioned on Today in September 2022 that alcohol consumption led to an increase in his weight, yet it also negatively impacted his emotional well-being.
Following Mac Miller’s untimely demise, rapper Bow Wow (formerly known as Shad Moss) took to Twitter to share his personal struggle with lean (codeine syrup) addiction. He cautioned his followers about the dangers of such drugs, recounting how he had been high on lean during the recording of his FACE OFF album with Omarion, and even while performing on BET. His attitude and relationships suffered as a result, with both fans and family turning against him.
He admitted to consuming four Lean drinks at least seven times a day while on tour with Chris Brown, which led to him passing out during the Cincinnati show and being hospitalized due to withdrawal symptoms. He described the pain he experienced as unparalleled, and revealed that he had walked around with multiple hoodies on because he was constantly cold.
Bow Wow shared his near-death experience involving syrup, expressing his regret for using it to fit in. He urged his followers to stay away from such substances, emphasizing the importance of being a good child, living life to its fullest, and breaking the cycle of drug abuse. He concluded by urging parents to closely monitor their children and educate them about the dangers of these substances.
2018 saw the singer, Gwyneth Paltrow, revealing significant truths about her struggle with addiction following the simultaneous releases of her fourth album, “No Shame,” and memoir, “My Thoughts Exactly.” As Allen recounts, she had fallen into a pattern of excessive cocaine use and heavy drinking that left her “almost pathologically drunk.” The turning point came when an incident at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party, where she unintentionally headbutted Orlando Bloom and lost consciousness, prompted an intervention by Paltrow and her then-husband, Chris Martin.
In an interview with The Guardian, she expressed, “I felt nothing could touch or fulfill me. One bleak day, I recall lying in bed and contemplating, ‘Perhaps heroin would be the answer, since nothing else appears to work.’
During the 1980s, the actor known for “The Parent Trap” struggled with a cocaine addiction that eventually led him to rehabilitation in 1990. In a later interview on “Today,” he shared his upbringing during the ’60s and ’70s, a time when there was a significantly more lenient view of the drug.
2018 saw me openly confessing that my addiction to cocaine was an almost daily occurrence during the ’80s. In the heat of the night, I would plead with the heavens, promising to abstain if only they’d take this burden away, as I had mere hours before I needed to report for work. But by 4 in the afternoon, my resolve would waver, and I’d find myself thinking, “It’s not so bad.
He shared an intense moment that he referred to as a ‘white light experience,’ where he envisioned his own demise or losing everything valuable to him. Overwhelmed by this, he needed to take a seat and clarify the situation to his partner at the time, Meg Ryan. Following this revelation, he decided it was time to seek help and ended his relationship with drugs, particularly cocaine.
Following an incident involving a door at his Newport Beach hotel, Ryan Lochte decided to seek treatment for alcohol addiction in 2018. His representative explained to TopMob News that Lochte has struggled with this issue for a long time, and unfortunately, it has led him down a harmful path. He recognizes the need for professional help and will be seeking immediate assistance.
As a determined individual, I recognize that overcoming this disease is crucial for me at this moment. It’s essential for my future well-being so I can make sound decisions and be the best husband and father I can be. Moreover, if I aspire to regain my former glory in the pool and compete in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, I must tackle this challenge head-on.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: My personal journey towards sobriety was significantly influenced by my relationship with the remarkable Melanie Lynskey. While it’s often advised not to change one’s life for another, her presence played a pivotal role in my decision to give up alcohol.
During his interview on The Drew Barrymore Show in March 2023, he clarified, “I realized she was extraordinary and thought she’d be perfect for someone truly deserving. Unfortunately, I didn’t see myself as that worthy person; I felt a tad bit unstable.
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 think very highly of himself. He was more concerned about causing her pain than hurting himself. Consequently, it felt easier for him to assert, ‘I’m doing this for her.’ However, now, he is doing it for his own sake.
For almost a decade now, the country singer has been living a sober life, but it was a challenging journey to reach this point. His struggle with alcohol and pain pills started shortly after he graduated from high school and persisted even as his career flourished. He carried around a black leather laptop bag containing bottles of Jagermeister or vodka at all times, as he confessed in earlier interviews with People. During the day, every hour and a half to two hours would be when he’d take a few strong swigs from the bottle. And every three or four hours, he’d need a pill or two.
Despite having no impact on his achievements, he acknowledged that things weren’t as challenging for him. Instead, he functioned efficiently during those days – even writing more songs back then than he does presently. This realization, he confessed, was what made it terrifying.
Looking back at late 2011, I found myself confined to a hospital bed, battling pancreatitis – a harsh reminder of the toll my drinking habits were taking on my health. The doctors warned me that if I didn’t make drastic changes, the next birthday might never come for me. However, as a person who prides himself on self-control, I tried to take things into my own hands, making promises like, “Alright, I’ll only allow myself two drinks today.” Or, “I’ll just drink this much from my bottle and mark the level.”
It seemed to work for a few days, but then life would throw a party – and the momentary joy of social gatherings often overshadowed my commitment to change.
Eventually, he realized he needed assistance, admitting himself into rehab on December 18, 2011. “I reached a point where I understood it was something beyond my capabilities alone,” Gilbert explained. “It infuriated me immensely and made me feel humiliated. I’m a very determined individual, but this was the one aspect of my life that I couldn’t manage.
Read More
- Masters Toronto 2025: Everything You Need to Know
- We Loved Both of These Classic Sci-Fi Films (But They’re Pretty Much the Same Movie)
- ‘The budget card to beat right now’ — Radeon RX 9060 XT reviews are in, and it looks like a win for AMD
- Valorant Champions 2025: Paris Set to Host Esports’ Premier Event Across Two Iconic Venues
- Forza Horizon 5 Update Available Now, Includes Several PS5-Specific Fixes
- Gold Rate Forecast
- Street Fighter 6 Game-Key Card on Switch 2 is Considered to be a Digital Copy by Capcom
- The Lowdown on Labubu: What to Know About the Viral Toy
- Karate Kid: Legends Hits Important Global Box Office Milestone, Showing Promise Despite 59% RT Score
- Mario Kart World Sold More Than 780,000 Physical Copies in Japan in First Three Days
2025-06-19 04:18