6 Celebrities In Addiction Recovery

Addiction is a disease that does not discriminate. No matter your age, gender, nationality, religion, socioeconomic status, or background, addiction can affect you under any circumstances. Many individuals who struggle with addiction often think they cannot enter recovery due to their job or status, but this is simply not true. There are celebrities and other high-status individuals that have struggled with addiction and still recovered. Even if you are not of high status or in the public light, knowing celebrities that are quite loved by the general public that have gone through addiction and now advocate for recovery can give you hope in your own journey to sobriety. Here are six celebrities that have gone through addiction and are now in recovery.

Elton John

Even if you don’t know his music, you most likely have heard of Sir Elton John. He came to fame in the early 1970s, which is when he says he first used cocaine. He began using the substance to overcome his shyness, but eventually, he became addicted and started struggling with drug use. In the end, he stated that the drugs caused him more isolation than it helped him in social situations. He eventually agreed to enter into treatment and get help for his addiction. Since then, he has continued living a life of fame, enjoys time with his husband and children, and has founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation to help those in need.

Robert Downey Jr.

Beloved Marvel actor Robert Downey Jr. has a rough past regarding drugs and alcohol. In interviews, he has discussed his early acting days and how most of them were filled with drugs and alcohol. He has been arrested multiple times due to his substance use and eventually went into treatment in a state-owned rehabilitation center. Since getting sober in 2002, he has landed star movie roles such as “Iron Man” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Today, he spends time with his wife and children and enjoys his sober life, attributing it to Eastern martial arts, his 12-Step program, and yoga.

Demi Lovato

Anyone that follows Demi Lovato knows that she has struggled with drug addiction in the past. The ex-Disney star has been extremely candid about her struggles with addiction, first entering into treatment in 2010. She stayed sober for eight years until a relapse in 2018; however, she has dedicated herself to raising awareness about addiction and mental health ever since. She has remained sober and continues being open about her struggles to help those currently struggling with addiction and mental health.

Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler, the frontman of Aerosmith, has had a long journey concerning his battles with drug and alcohol use. He first started using substances in the 1970s, with his struggles continuing into the ‘80s. He stated that he used drugs and alcohol to get through the constant shows of Aerosmith’s early days. Eventually, he went to rehabilitation and stayed sober for 12 years, beginning in 1988. However, he had to return to rehab in 2009 after becoming addicted to painkillers following foot surgery. He has been sober since 2009 and attributes his role as an American Idol judge as his motivation for staying sober. Tyler is a great example that shows that you can always get back up again no matter how many times you fall. 

Drew Barrymore

The beloved actress got her start at the age of five when she starred in Ken Russell’s Altered States, with her role in ET coming just two years later. While her life may have seemed like a dream for many kids wanting to be on the big screen, the reality was far from it. Her mother took her out partying from the age of eight, with Barrymore already having been in rehab by 12. At 13, she went back to the hospital to be treated for drug and alcohol addiction. Today, Barrymore enjoys life with her daughters and hosts a TV talk show in her name while also pursuing other projects. She is a living testament showing that no matter how early you get involved with the wrong crowd, you can still come out on top and enjoy a happy, healthy life.

Bradley Cooper

Another popular and beloved actor, Bradley Cooper, has had his own struggles with addiction. In his early acting days, he states that he struggled with realizing he had an addiction despite warnings from his friends. At age 29, the actor decided to get help and has been sober ever since. Since then, he has enjoyed starring in hit movies such as Limitless and Hit and Run. He states that his sobriety gave him a second chance at his acting career, and he is extremely grateful for that.


When you are struggling with addiction, at times, it can feel like the world is out to get you. You feel targeted and as if bad luck just keeps coming your way with no chance of breaking the cycle and living a successful life. However, there are people that have had to start over and have made their dreams come true thanks to sobriety. Various celebrities that have been through addiction and gotten help have shown that no matter how far you fall, you can always get back up and live the life you always dreamed of. It is important to remember that addiction doesn’t discriminate, and it can affect anyone from any background. At NorthStar Transitions, we have helped numerous individuals from various backgrounds get back on their feet after drug and alcohol abuse. Located in Boulder, CO, we offer a tranquil place to begin your recovery journey. Call us today to learn more at (303) 558-6400.


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