Tom Holland Shares How Sobriety Journey Changed His Life

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Tom Holland has been moving onward in his sobriety journey.

The actor known for his role in Spider-Man: Brand New Day shared how quitting alcohol in January 2022 has improved both his personal life and his work.

Tom recently told USA Today that his drinking was harming his career. He explained that the pressures of being an actor and living in the public eye were already stressful, and alcohol only made things worse for him personally.

He explained that since he stopped drinking, he feels more like himself, wakes up feeling refreshed, and has gained a lot more self-confidence.

The 29-year-old, who stylist Law Roach suggests may have secretly married his longtime partner Zendaya, also thought about whether his life and career would be different if he hadn’t stopped drinking.

He admitted it was a difficult question to answer. He felt incredibly fortunate that his career had flourished over the past four years, and he was excited about his future. He wasn’t sure if he would have achieved the same success if he hadn’t stopped drinking.

Tom’s decision to change his habits has inspired others to think about their own drinking.

He shared that his friends have significantly cut back on their drinking. He recently hosted about ten friends and was surprised that, unlike in the past when they’d drink heavily and be hungover the next day, no one drank any alcohol at all.

The actress, known for her role in Cherry, explained that everyone felt fully engaged and energized. She also said she felt great the next day and that it’s had a really positive impact on her life overall.

Tom isn’t alone in drinking less. A recent Gallup poll from 2023 shows that over the past twenty years, the number of adults under 35 who drink has fallen by more than 10%. Tom believes this shift in habits makes perfect sense.

He pointed out that while alcohol can be enjoyable, it also carries risks. He expressed his happiness with the trend of young people choosing alternatives to drinking, believing this fosters both a safer and more inclusive social atmosphere.

Keep reading for more stars who have opened up about their sobriety journeys…

As a huge fan, it was really tough to hear about the arrest back in January 2026. But honestly, it seems like it was a turning point for him. It really pushed him to get the help he needed and start tackling his issues with addiction. I’m just hoping he gets the support he deserves and comes out stronger on the other side.

He explained on Page Six Radio that addiction is a brain disease, similar to cancer, and that no one would want to have either. He made these comments in April.

Lamar explained that the more he learns about disease, the easier it becomes for him to maintain his sobriety.

As someone who’s dedicated to wellness, I’ve been so inspired by this basketball star’s journey. After a really difficult time – he faced a life-threatening overdose back in 2015 – he recently shared that he’s been completely sober for over two months, and it’s amazing. What really struck me was his desire to be a positive influence and show others that recovery and a better life are possible. It’s a powerful message, and I think it’s something we can all relate to on some level – striving to be our best selves and helping others along the way.

He explained to USA Today in March 2026 that while he’s always been strong mentally and physically, he still struggles with the desire to escape through substance use, just like anyone else. He believes his survival was meant to inspire others and give them the confidence to overcome their own challenges.

In October 2018, the actor known for American Pie shared on Instagram that he had been sober for a year, marking the occasion with a positive and hopeful message.

He 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, saying, “It turns out this is really hard.”

He shared that after a difficult journey, he’s been sober for a year, and he’s incredibly proud of this accomplishment. He encouraged anyone who is struggling with addiction to seek help, reminding them that there’s no shame in asking and that recovery is possible.

Looking back on my own battle with addiction, I realize how far I went to keep it a secret. It’s amazing – and honestly a little heartbreaking – to think about all the energy I spent hiding something that was consuming me. It really highlights how much shame can fuel the cycle of addiction, and how important it is to remember you’re not alone.

Okay, so I was on Jenny’s podcast, ‘All the Fails,’ back in March, and I was just being real. I told them how messed up things were, even though I was in therapy, trying to fix stuff. Like, I’d leave a good session feeling…okay, and then immediately head straight for the liquor store. A fifth of vodka? Yeah, that was my go-to. I knew exactly how much I needed to completely check out, you know? It was a way to escape, to just…disconnect. I didn’t want to feel anything, so I’d drink until I was numb and just…gone from everything.

He explained that he’d carefully planned how much he’d drink, wanting to stay coherent enough to talk to me. He mentioned he was constantly swapping out bottles at the bar to control his alcohol intake.

 

The two-time World Cup-winning soccer player has publicly discussed using Adderall inappropriately while recovering from injuries during her time playing college soccer.

She shared on the 2025 podcast Question Everything with Danielle Robay that she had become seriously addicted to Adderall and was using it in dangerous ways. She explained she was taking it constantly, often going days without sleep. It was an extremely unhealthy period, and she worried about her health, even fearing a heart attack. She admitted to taking the drug by crushing and snorting it, acknowledging it was a very problematic time in her life.

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

She described a difficult time where she had to adapt significantly. Anson encouraged her to read, and she found a life-changing book called Man’s Search for Meaning. It helped her understand and cope with suffering by changing her perspective.

As a lifestyle expert, I’m always inspired by stories of positive change, and Quavo’s is a great example. He recently shared that he’s been four years sober from codeine – you might know it as an ingredient in ‘sizzurp’ – and it all started with a really powerful moment. His teenage son, Jordan, gave him a wake-up call, and that was the push he needed to make a change. It’s amazing to see how family can be such a strong motivator!

It really got to me when my oldest son kept begging for pineapple Fanta – it was so random because he hardly ever drinks soda! Then, one day while I was in the studio, he just straight-up asked why my Fanta was a different color than his. It was a simple question, but honestly, it broke my heart. It just hit me hard in that moment.

Offset explained that the seemingly harmless comment really upset him, saying he almost cried when he went to his room.

The rapper explained he felt guilty as a father. He was worried his son didn’t realize he was using drugs, and even something as simple as his son wanting the same soda made him anxious, fearing he was a bad influence.

The Academy Award-winning actor has often openly discussed December 29, 1975, the date he stopped drinking.

In an October 2025 interview on The Interview podcast from the New York Times, he admitted he was driving drunk in California and completely blacked out. He had no idea where he was going until he understood the danger he posed – he could have seriously hurt or killed someone, or even himself, a possibility he didn’t seem to care about at the time. That’s when he recognized he had a problem with alcohol and was, in fact, an alcoholic.

By turning to a friend for support, he started a journey of recovery. In December 2025, he celebrated 50 years of sobriety and shared a message of hope with others who are struggling with the same challenges he faced decades ago.

He urged people to embrace life in an Instagram message, repeating the word ‘life’ multiple times for emphasis: “Choose life instead of the opposite. Life, life, life, and more life.”

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

Jax revealed on the March 4th episode of Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast that he’s struggling with addiction, specifically with cocaine. He admitted it was difficult to share this publicly.

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

Jax also stopped drinking, noting that while he didn’t believe he had a serious alcohol issue, it was connected to his cocaine use. He explained he couldn’t use cocaine without drinking alcohol, so he decided to quit both. He’s currently proud to be 82 or 83 days sober – the longest stretch of sobriety he’s ever experienced.

Tom Holland, known for playing Spider-Man, quit drinking in 2022 because he felt controlled by alcohol. He admitted on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast that he was definitely addicted. He believes that having a drink every day is a sign of a potential problem.

Oh my gosh, he totally described it like this – you know, that feeling where you just know you messed up with that extra drink? He said it’s like, ‘Wow, I really shouldn’t have had that last beer,’ and then you wake up with the worst headache ever. It’s so relatable, honestly! He just gets it, you know?

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

He explained that he was much calmer and more able to handle problems on set. He felt mentally clear, healthier, and in better physical shape.

Sean Connery, famous 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 interview 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.

Let me tell you, making the move from New York to Los Angeles back in ’83 was…intense. I really struggled for a couple of years, battling a serious addiction. Honestly, it felt like I was doing way too much cocaine – I’m not exaggerating when I say it consumed my life. It was a different time, and the truth is, cocaine was incredibly prevalent. It was practically a social lubricant; everyone seemed to be using it constantly, like it was just another part of the day, like having your morning coffee.

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 – noticing things like unique features on buildings or doorways. He also enjoys spending time with friends over 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 feels like a significant achievement.

She explained her decision simply. “I realized it wasn’t the right path for me,” she said. “It felt difficult to completely refuse, to say ‘not even a little.’ But it’s like an allergy – if you have a severe reaction, you don’t try to fight it. I finally stopped questioning my gut feeling.”

She’s glad she made the change, explaining that things have improved significantly for her. She described her previous state as getting stuck in negativity, something she actively avoids.

As someone who’s spent years observing and sharing about personal growth, I was really moved by a speech Demi Moore gave when she accepted the Woman of the Year Award from the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House. She spoke so honestly about a time in her life when she was heading down a really difficult path – one that almost cost her everything she’d worked for. It was powerful to hear her talk about those struggles and how she navigated them, especially knowing the organization she was honoring helps women rebuild their lives after battling addiction.

I believe we all have key moments that define us and set our life’s course. Early in my career, I was heading down a very destructive path. Despite any achievements, I constantly felt inadequate and had very little self-worth. This quickly led to a crisis, and at the time, I didn’t understand why. It almost felt like something—maybe fate—intervened.

Moore, who received treatment in 2012, expressed gratitude to two people she hardly knew for giving her a much-needed wake-up call. She jokingly said they essentially told her she needed to get her life back on track or face the consequences. She explained they gave her an opportunity to change direction 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 working on overcoming her addiction to Xanax since 2020. She told Rolling Stone that recovery provided much-needed stability and purpose during a difficult time. “It really gave me hope,” she explained.

The singer explained that once they discovered a way to briefly escape pain, their struggles were finished.

She explained that her friends back then seemed to accept her drug use, which contributed to a downward spiral she described as a never-ending problem. During the pandemic, she realized she was struggling and felt disconnected. She remembers frequently falling asleep and being unable to stay awake, admitting she had gone too far.

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 shared 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 almost missed out on something important. He described a harsh internal monologue, repeatedly asking himself if he really wanted to repeat past mistakes and miss out on life again. He pushed himself, even using strong language, to prioritize the experience, if not for his own sake, then for the sake of those he cared about.

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. This made him realize he was no longer ashamed of being sober. Instead, he began to see his sobriety as a strength, and he felt proud of overcoming his addiction.

The actor, known from the show Parenthood, had been sober for 16 years when they had a setback in 2020. They began taking Vicodin after being injured in a motorcycle accident.

He explained on his Armchair Expert podcast that he’s been taking prescription medication consistently for about the past two months, and he’s also taking additional amounts beyond the prescribed dosage.

Honestly, it’s awful. I’m constantly deceiving everyone around me, and deep down, I know I need to stop. The problem is, I’m needing more and more just to feel okay – I’m up to eight pills, three times a day, and I’m terrified of what will happen when I try to quit. It’s going to be a really rough withdrawal, and I’m starting to feel incredibly isolated and alone, carrying this huge burden of a secret all by myself.

In 2018, actress Jamie Lee Curtis openly discussed her decade-long struggle with opioid addiction, which started in the late 1980s after a small cosmetic procedure to address puffy eyes. A prescription from that procedure dramatically altered her life. She told People magazine that she spent ten years secretly stealing and deceiving others, and that no one suspected a thing.

I remember the summer of ’98 so clearly. It was when my sister came to visit, and she brought pain medication with her for a hurt rib. Honestly, that’s when things really hit their lowest point for me. I knew the pills were in her suitcase, tucked away in the guest room closet, and… I took them. All of them. I was terrified she’d discover they were missing when she packed to leave, so I wrote her a note, confessing everything and left it on her suitcase. When she came home that day, instead of anger, she just hugged me and told me she loved me. She was so worried about me, and she said she couldn’t bear to watch me destroy myself. It was a turning point, and I’ll never forget her compassion.

Jamie Lee Curtis went to her first support group meeting on February 3, 1999, and on that same day, she told her husband, filmmaker Christopher Guest, about her past struggles with addiction. She explained that he was surprised he hadn’t realized she was going through it, and she has remained sober ever since.

Drew Barrymore, who has previously sought treatment for substance abuse, revealed in 2021 that she had reached a significant point in her recovery. Speaking on CBS Mornings, she shared that she’d been sober for two and a half years, explaining that alcohol simply wasn’t helping her life anymore.

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

Drew Barrymore later told the Los Angeles Times she avoids calling herself “sober” because she doesn’t want to come across as overly strict or judgmental.

She described a long period of trying to overcome a challenge, constantly telling herself she would succeed. But in 2023, she had a stark realization: she hadn’t mastered it, and ultimately wouldn’t.

Bradley Cooper battled a cocaine addiction in the early 2000s. His friend, Will Arnett, helped him by directly addressing his issues and holding him accountable.

Cooper shared in a 2022 podcast interview that it was the first moment he recognized he was struggling with substance use, and he said he’ll never forget that realization.

Cooper said Arnett was instrumental in his decision to get sober, explaining that Arnett bravely confronted him, which ultimately led Cooper to make a positive change in his life.

The actor, known for his role in Fight Club, battled alcohol addiction for years until Bradley Cooper helped him get sober. Accepting an award from Cooper at the 2020 National Board of Review Awards, he 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, mental clarity, and a stronger spiritual connection feels incredibly positive.

In 2018, the singer first celebrated six years of being sober while on tour. However, she surprised her fans later that year with the release of her song “Sober,” in which she shared that she had unfortunately relapsed.

She sang, filled with regret: “Mom, I’m truly sorry I’ve lost my sobriety. Dad, please forgive me for the mess I’ve made. To those of you who have always been there for me, I know we’ve faced this before, and I’m so sorry I’m struggling again.”

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

She shared on Instagram a couple of weeks ago that she’s been open about her struggles with addiction. She explained that it’s an ongoing battle, not something she’s simply overcome. She needs time to focus on healing and getting better, and she’s incredibly grateful for all the support she’s received. She’s hopeful about the future and committed to continuing her fight for sobriety.

I remember being really struck by what she shared about her past struggles. Back in 2018, she talked openly about dealing with addictions, and it really resonated with me. She explained that her addictions tended to shift over time. She admitted that when she was younger, she definitely felt like she was relying on sex to fix everything – a kind of sex addiction, she called it. And then, she went on to describe how she later realized she’d developed a serious problem with drinking, which was so brave of her to share.

She recalled a particularly low point when she was home alone and had already finished two bottles of wine, and was about to open a third. That’s when she realized she might have a drinking problem.

I’ve always been the type to just stop something completely – cold turkey, as they say. I tend to get really obsessed with things, and I have to be careful about that tendency. It’s not necessarily what you do, but how you approach it, and more importantly, why. It’s about the motivations behind your actions. For example, wanting to have a lot of sex is fine, but you really need to examine why you want that – that’s where the important stuff lies.

Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean revealed he first experimented with drugs before shooting the music video for their 2000 hit, “The Call.” He later told Good Morning America that he was feeling extremely energetic during the video shoot. After a setback, he achieved sobriety in 2021 and experienced significant improvements in his health within a year, including losing 32 pounds over seven months by eliminating alcohol and fast food.

He told People magazine in July 2025 that he’s committed to staying on his current path. He described it as a daily effort, but shared that following advice from the recovery community 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 healthy boundaries, which is something I didn’t used to do. It’s been really helpful. ‘AJ’ is a part of my public image, but it doesn’t represent who I am as a person. My name is Alexander James, and that’s who I truly am.

As someone who’s been through a lot and seen too much loss, especially with the passing of Mac Miller, I felt compelled to share a very personal story. I want to be real with you all, especially the younger generation. A while back, during the time I was working on the ‘Face Off’ album with Omarion, I was battling a serious addiction to lean – codeine cough syrup. It was a dark time. I was high every single day, and it affected everything – my behavior, my attitude, even my performance on stage, like that moment on BET with Torae. I didn’t realize it then, but I was pushing people away – my fans, my family. I never glorified lean in my music, but I was caught in its grip. Honestly, throughout the entire UCP tour with Chris Brown, I was drinking syrup at least seven times a day. It wasn’t until a show in Cincinnati, where I collapsed backstage and woke up in the hospital experiencing withdrawal, that I realized how far gone I was. The pain was unlike anything I’d ever felt. Even in the summer, I was freezing, wearing layers just to cope. I missed shows in Chicago and Baltimore because I was sick and high. It was all for the sake of appearing ‘cool,’ and it almost cost me my life. To this day, my stomach hasn’t fully recovered. I’m sharing this because I want to urge you all – kick that stuff! Be a good son or daughter, be the best version of yourself. I’m going to be more vocal about this – we need to save our youth from going down the wrong path. Parents, please talk to your kids, explain the dangers. We want you all to live long, fulfilling lives. Don’t follow trends, break the cycle. Stay drug-free, stay smart, and tighten up. We can’t afford to lose any more of you. I love you all, and I want to see you thrive.

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 was heavily using cocaine and drinking excessively. Things came to a head when, after accidentally hitting Orlando Bloom with her head at Kate Hudson’s Halloween party and knocking herself unconscious, Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin intervened to help her get treatment.

In an interview with The Guardian, she revealed a desperate low point, saying she felt utterly unfulfilled. She recalled one morning during a particularly difficult time thinking, ‘Perhaps heroin would finally make me feel something, because nothing else was helping.’

The actor known for The Parent Trap struggled with cocaine addiction during the 1980s, leading him to enter rehab in 1990. He later shared on Today that he came of age in the 1960s and 70s, a time when attitudes toward drug use were very different.

He confessed that during the 1980s, he was using cocaine almost every day, to the point where it was affecting his finances. He recalled desperately pleading with God to help him stop, often right before work, only to find himself rationalizing his behavior later in the day, thinking it wasn’t a serious problem.

He described a powerful experience, what he called seeing a white light, where he felt he was either dying or losing everything important in his life. He then had to explain this to his then-fiancée, Meg Ryan, and after that, he decided to get help. This marked the end of his struggle with cocaine.

Following an incident at a Newport Beach hotel where he attempted to break down his own door, Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte entered treatment for alcohol addiction in 2018. A representative for Lochte stated that he had been struggling with alcohol abuse for years, and that it had become a harmful cycle. Lochte recognized his need for professional help and began treatment immediately.

According to a recent statement, Ryan understands that overcoming this illness is crucial, not only 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, actor Jason Ritter credits his relationship with Melanie Lynskey as a significant factor in his decision to stop drinking.

He realized how wonderful she was and believed she deserved someone truly special. Appearing on The Drew Barrymore Show in March 2023, he admitted he didn’t think he was that person, feeling he was ‘a little bit too crazy’ for her.

However, as Ritter noted to TopMob News, he now sees that sobriety is ultimately a personal choice.

Looking back on the beginning of their relationship, he explained that he often framed his actions as being for her, because he didn’t feel good about himself at the time. He was more concerned with protecting her feelings than his own. Initially, it was simpler to say he was doing things ‘for her,’ but now he’s motivated by his own well-being.

The country singer has been sober for almost ten years, but achieving that took a lot of effort. His struggle with alcohol and painkillers started shortly after high school and continued even as his career grew. He shared with People magazine that he always kept a black leather laptop bag nearby, filled with bottles of Jagermeister or vodka, and would drink from it every hour and a half to two hours. He also admitted to taking pills every three to four hours.

Despite everything, it didn’t hinder his accomplishments. “I wasn’t falling apart,” he explained. “Actually, I was incredibly productive – I wrote more songs during that time than I do 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 quit drinking. He admitted he kept delaying the inevitable, trying to cut back on his own. “I’d tell myself, ‘Okay, just two pills today, and I’ll only drink this much from the bottle,’” he remembered, marking the bottle to keep track. “It would work for a couple of days, but then someone would have a party and I’d start all over again.”

Gilbert eventually 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, admitting that despite being a strong-willed person, he couldn’t manage this particular struggle.

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2026-05-01 15:21