The conversation around sobriety has shifted dramatically in recent years. While drinking once dominated social culture, a growing number of celebrities now speak openly about why quitting alcohol changed their lives. From mental clarity to emotional strength, their reasons vary, but their impact is inspiring.
Here’s a closer look at 20 celebrities who embraced sobriety and found new purpose along the way.
1. Doechii
Doechii, known for her raw lyrics and powerful performances, shared her experience in an interview where she admitted that her previous lifestyle of constant partying and drinking made her lose sight of who she truly was.
“When I was always drinking, I didn’t even recognize myself. It wasn’t just alcohol; it was everything—smoking, partying, you name it. That wasn’t who I wanted to be,” she explained.
For her, sobriety was a fresh start, allowing her to reconnect with herself both creatively and personally.
2. Anne Hathaway
Academy Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway shared that her decision to stop drinking was driven by her awareness that alcohol didn’t align with her personal values.
“It was like realizing I had an allergy to alcohol. It just wasn’t for me anymore,” she said. Her clarity and improved lifestyle have shown her that sobriety has been a key to her emotional balance and career success.
3. Cara Delevingne
Supermodel and actress Cara Delevingne had a well-publicized battle with alcohol in her early years. She admitted that her partying days were a result of trying to cope with mental health issues and family struggles.
“At some point, I realized I wasn’t having fun anymore. The reality check came when I saw pictures of myself that made me think, ‘I don’t look okay,'” she confessed. Delevingne now credits therapy and sobriety for helping her take control of her life.
4. Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks has lived a mostly alcohol-free life, revealing that she’s never had an addictive personality. In an interview, she said, “I’ve never had the urge to drink excessively, and I’m lucky that I don’t have to deal with those challenges.” Banks’ decision to keep alcohol out of her life has allowed her to maintain her career and personal happiness.
5. Lewis Hamilton
Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has been candid about his decision to quit drinking after realizing how much it affected his mental and physical health, especially ahead of races.
“I’d wake up feeling terrible for days after drinking. It became clear that alcohol was taking a toll on my performance, my sleep, and my overall well-being,” Hamilton shared.
Choosing sobriety has brought him greater clarity, better sleep, and more energy to face the challenges of his high-stress career.
6. Zendaya
Zendaya, the star of “Euphoria,” has made it clear that alcohol is not a part of her life. On her 21st birthday, she posted, “Just because I can legally drink doesn’t mean I want to.”
She explained that the chaos of the entertainment industry made her want to stay fully in control of herself and her decisions. “My life is stressful enough, and I don’t need alcohol to cope,” she added.
7. Tom Holland
Actor Tom Holland, famous for his role in “Spider-Man,” revealed that he got sober after a particularly boozy holiday season. “I was thinking about alcohol all the time, and it started to scare me. I needed to prove to myself that I didn’t have a problem,” he shared.
After two months of sobriety, he realized he was happier and more at peace without alcohol. “Now, I feel better than I ever have,” he said, adding that it was one of the best decisions he’s made for his well-being.
8. Tyler, The Creator
Known for his outspoken personality, Tyler, the Creator has never been one for alcohol. In an interview, he said, “I’ve never been that guy who wanted to get drunk. It’s just not my thing.”
For him, sobriety isn’t about avoiding a problem—it’s about staying true to himself and living life on his terms.
9. Jack Harlow
Rapper Jack Harlow decided to quit drinking in 2021, acknowledging that it made him feel sluggish and disconnected. “I wasn’t having fun anymore, and I felt numb,” Harlow shared.
His decision to quit drinking has led him to feel more connected to his work and life, leading to a clearer headspace.
10. John Mulaney
Comedian John Mulaney’s struggle with alcohol and cocaine addiction led him to rehab in 2020. “I was scared when I realized how much I was relying on alcohol to cope,” Mulaney shared.
He is now sober and deeply committed to maintaining his recovery, and credits his time in rehab with saving his life.
11. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus has been sober for several years, and she’s opened up about how sobriety has helped her feel more energized and focused. In a 2024 interview, she said, “I don’t miss the hangovers at all. I wake up feeling ready to take on the day.”
Her decision was partially influenced by a family history of addiction and the need to prioritize her health and career.
12. Zac Efron
Zac Efron, known for his roles in “High School Musical” and “The Iron Claw,” has been open about how getting sober helped him regain control of his life. “Sobriety gave me structure, something I had lost in the chaos of fame,” Efron shared.
By quitting drinking, he was able to focus on his health and hobbies and rediscover the activities he loved, like surfing and skateboarding.
13. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore’s story of sobriety is one of self-discovery and growth. After a troubled youth and early adulthood filled with substance abuse, she made the choice to stay sober and regain control over her life.
“When you’re stuck in a bad pattern, you think you’re too weak to change, but in reality, it’s the strength to make those changes that matters,” she said in an interview.
Barrymore’s decision to keep her sobriety private for the first two years was a personal one, but now she embraces it as part of her peaceful, balanced life.
14. Elle MacPherson
Australian supermodel Elle MacPherson recently celebrated 20 years of sobriety, a milestone she marked on social media by proudly sharing her Alcoholics Anonymous token.
Reflecting on her decision to quit drinking, MacPherson explained, “Turning 40 was a turning point for me. I wanted to spend more time focusing on my health and inner peace.” Her commitment to sobriety has helped her find clarity and achieve personal growth.
15. Lana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey’s sobriety story began in her late teens after struggling with alcohol addiction. She made the decision to quit before moving to New York City to pursue her music career.
“I realized I couldn’t continue that lifestyle and chase my dreams. Sobriety became the only way forward,” Del Rey said.
16. Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams, the multifaceted musician and designer, has rarely indulged in alcohol throughout his life. “I’ve been drunk only nine times, and I don’t have a need for alcohol. It’s just not something that fits into my lifestyle,” he said in an interview.
For Pharrell, living alcohol-free has been part of his unique approach to creativity and success.
17. Josh Peck
Former “Drake & Josh” star Josh Peck got sober through a 12-step program and has been open about how it gave him the structure he needed. “Sobriety has been the foundation of everything good in my life,” Peck shared.
His decision to stop drinking has provided him with a stable, fulfilling life and allowed him to focus on his career and personal relationships.
18. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato’s journey to sobriety came after a near-fatal overdose in 2018. Since then, she has focused on living a healthy and fulfilling life. “Sobriety isn’t just about not drinking; it’s about taking care of myself—mentally, physically, and emotionally,” Lovato explained.
She credits therapy, fitness, and creative outlets like songwriting with helping her maintain a positive, sober lifestyle.
19. Florence Welch
Florence + The Machine’s lead singer, Florence Welch, shared in a podcast that she’s been sober for over eight years. Her decision came after she realized that alcohol had been a barrier to her personal and professional growth.
“Sobriety is the best thing I’ve ever done,” she said. For Welch, quitting drinking allowed her to embrace her true self and reclaim her career with new vigor.
20. Natalie Portman
Actress Natalie Portman has always felt uncomfortable with alcohol, admitting that she didn’t drink much in high school or college. “I never felt the urge to drink excessively,” she shared.
For Portman, maintaining a healthy lifestyle without alcohol has been a natural choice that suits her life and career.
These celebrities’ journeys to sobriety offer real insight into how quitting alcohol can improve mental and physical health, relationships, and career prospects. Whether driven by personal choice or necessity, their stories prove that life can be just as vibrant, if not more so, without the need for alcohol.