Over the years, many celebrities have openly shared their battles with addiction and their journey to sobriety. While some have remained sober for decades, others have recently made the decision to live a substance-free life.
Despite the challenges, these stars continue to inspire with their honesty and resilience. From Bradley Cooper and Tom Holland to Jessica Simpson and Eminem, each of them has a powerful story to tell.
Tom Holland’s Eye-Opening Experience
Tom Holland opened up about his decision to quit alcohol on the “On Purpose With Jay Shetty” podcast in 2023. After a particularly heavy drinking phase in December, he attempted Dry January. However, he quickly noticed how often he thought about drinking, which made him question whether he had developed a dependency.
Determined to challenge himself, he decided to stay sober until his birthday in June. By the time he reached the six-month mark, he realized he felt happier than ever. This lifestyle change was so impactful that he later launched Bero, a premium non-alcoholic beer brand, in 2024.
Jessica Simpson’s Sobriety and Clarity
Jessica Simpson celebrated seven years of sobriety in November, reflecting on how alcohol had affected her life. Speaking on “The Kelly Clarkson Show”, she admitted that drinking had caused her to miss important moments with her children. It became clear that her behavior was confusing them, which prompted her to make a serious change.
Quitting alcohol gave her newfound clarity, and she felt more present than ever. She realized that drinking had only worsened her struggles, and choosing sobriety allowed her to reclaim her life.
Ben Affleck’s Ongoing Commitment
Ben Affleck’s struggles with alcohol have been well-documented. He first entered rehab in 2001 and later sought treatment again in 2017 and 2018.
His ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, played a crucial role in his recovery, even taking him to rehab in August 2018. In 2020, he shared his gratitude for supportive friends like Bradley Cooper and Robert Downey Jr., who helped him stay focused on his sobriety.
Bradley Cooper’s Path to Sobriety
Bradley Cooper decided to quit drinking at 29 when he realized it could ruin his future. In a 2013 GQ interview, he admitted that continuing down that path would have sabotaged his life. Later, portraying an alcoholic musician in “A Star Is Born” became an emotional experience for him. He described it as “cathartic” and explained that drawing from his personal struggles made the role deeply meaningful.
Speaking on “Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge” in 2023, he reflected on his past and called himself “very lucky” to have overcome addiction. His sobriety, he said, allowed him to fully embrace his career and personal growth.
Eminem’s Near-Fatal Overdose and Recovery
Eminem nearly lost his life to a methadone overdose in 2007. Following the incident, he entered rehab and committed to sobriety. By 2020, he had celebrated 12 years of being clean.
In a 2022 XXL magazine essay, he admitted that drugs became a regular part of his life after signing his first record deal. At one point, he was consuming up to 80 Valium pills a night. His addiction spiraled out of control while working on “Encore”, pushing him to a breaking point.
Looking back, he credited sobriety for saving his career. Speaking on the “Paul Pod” podcast, he described how getting clean allowed him to truly enjoy making music again.
Brad Pitt’s Choice to Quit Drinking
Brad Pitt made the decision to stop drinking and discussed his journey in a 2017 GQ interview. He admitted that he had developed an unhealthy relationship with alcohol and needed to change. Choosing sobriety, he said, was one of the most important decisions of his life.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Fight for Redemption
Robert Downey Jr. was arrested multiple times for drug-related offenses in the late 1990s. His addiction led him to the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, where he began his path to recovery.
In a 2014 Vanity Fair interview, he compared addiction to being trapped in a cave. He explained that while many people escape, some fail to change their habits and end up falling back into destructive cycles. His transformation allowed him to revive his career and personal life.
Russell Brand’s 20 Years of Sobriety
Russell Brand battled heroin and alcohol addiction before getting clean. In 2017, he appeared on “Megyn Kelly Today,” explaining how he approached sobriety one day at a time.
By December 2022, he had reached 20 years of sobriety. In an emotional Instagram post, he thanked everyone who had supported him and stressed that recovery is never a solo journey.
Lucy Hale’s Milestone in Sobriety
Lucy Hale took to Instagram in January 2025 to celebrate three years of sobriety. Reflecting on her journey, she described it as “the best decision” she ever made. She also expressed gratitude for those who supported her, emphasizing how sobriety had changed her life in unimaginable ways.
Other Celebrities Who Openly Discuss Their Sobriety
Many other celebrities have spoken about their journey to sobriety:
1. Rob Lowe celebrated 25 years of sobriety and received the Spirit of Sobriety award in 2015.
2. Calvin Harris quit drinking at 24, explaining that it was interfering with his music career.
3. Daniel Radcliffe revealed that he drank excessively after “Harry Potter” ended but later sought help.
4. Lana Del Rey admitted that she struggled with alcohol as a teenager and sought treatment at 18.
5. Keith Urban spoke about his past substance abuse and how he overcame it.
6. Gerard Butler entered rehab early to prevent his painkiller addiction from escalating.
7. Joe Manganiello has been open about his battle with addiction, describing it as an ongoing journey.
8. Tobey Maguire credited Alcoholics Anonymous for helping him maintain a sober lifestyle.
9. Naomi Campbell revealed that Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous helped her stay clean.
10. Tom Hardy has been sober since 2003, using a 12-step program for support.
11. Ewan McGregor made the decision to quit drinking in 2001 before his addiction could take full control.
A Message of Hope
These celebrities prove that addiction does not define a person. Each of them faced unique challenges, but they all found strength in sobriety. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder that change is possible with perseverance, support, and self-reflection.
For those struggling with addiction, these journeys offer hope. Recovery is not just about quitting substances—it’s about regaining control, finding clarity, and creating a better future.