From A-list to rehab: These celebrities battled addiction

Drug addiction is not good, neither for a common man nor for celebrities as it comes with severe physical, and emotional consequences.

When it comes to celebrities, Hollywood has struggled with addiction issues, with many actors and actresses struggling with substance abuse.

Drug addiction can have severe consequences for actors as it impacts their career, including facing difficulty finding work or getting cast in projects.

Not only their professional reputation is at stake but they also face health problems such as organ damage, depression, anxiety, and an organ damage.

Even their personal life is affected such as strained relationships with family and friends and even financial problems due to spending on substances or legal issues.

Overall, the accessibility of drugs has led numerous celebrities down a path of addiction.

However, there are number of Hollywood stars and music icons, who battled addiction; let’s have a look at some notable examples:

Daniel Radcliffe

The Now You See Me 2 actor has publicly discussed his past struggles with alcohol addiction. He first started drinking during the filming of the Harry Potter series, particularly around his 18th birthday.

According to Radcliffe, he used alcohol as a coping mechanism due to immense scrutiny and being constantly watched.

In 2010, after filming the last Harry Potter movie, the actor quit drinking for the first time, however, his attempt was sabotaged after he relapsed in 2012 as an aftermath of being involved in a bar fight in New York.

The incident was a game changer for him as the Weird: The Al Yankovic Story actor recommitted to sobriety and has been sober since 2013.

Radcliffe manages cravings by taking long walks, exercising, and reading and credits his support system, including close friends, for helping him stay on track.

According to the 36-year-old actor, sobriety has helped him feel more settled mentally and more comfortable with himself and he has been able to pursue various acting projects and maintain a positive public image since then.

Lindsay Lohan

The Freakier Friday actress’ substance abuse issues began to surface in the mid-2000s, with reports that she struggled with addiction to substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and alcohol.

Not only struggles, her addiction led to her multiple arrests, including DUIs, possession of controlled substances, and probation violations, impacting her career, and leading to missed film opportunities.

The 39-year-old actor entered her first rehab program in 2007, marking the beginning of her ongoing battle with drug addiction.

Till then Lohan has attended programs at prominent centers like Promises Treatment Center, Betty Ford Center, and Wonderland Center.

Robert Downey Jr.

The Iron Man actor’s struggle with drug addiction has been a high-profile journey as because of that he faced multiple arrests.

Downey, who was introduced to marijuana by his father at the age of six only, had been addicted to substances like cocaine, heroin, and prescription drugs.

As he grew older, the 60-year-old actor’s substance abuse worsened, affecting his career and personal life.

In 2003, an ultimatum from his wife and a commitment to therapy helped him achieve lasting sobriety.

Now, an Oscar winner for Oppenheimer, Downey practices Eastern martial arts and yoga to cope with stress.

Ben Affleck

The Batman star’s struggles with alcohol addiction are known to everyone.

Affleck's problems with alcohol started early, partly due to his family history of addiction. He entered rehab multiple times back in 2000s.

However, despite his efforts, the Gone Girl actor has experienced relapses.

Affleck highlighted the challenges of maintaining sobriety in the public eye and has credited therapy, support groups, and lifestyle changes with helping him stay on track.

Britney Spears

The Gimme More hitmaker’s substance abuse issues began when she was under immense pressure as a young star, with reports suggesting she struggled with substances like cocaine.

After struggling with melodrama which includes ending her conservatorship in 2021, Spears has been working on her mental health and well-being.

Bradley Cooper

Cooper’s substance abuse started as a way to cope with stress and depression and finally at the age of 29, the Hangover actor sought help and entered rehab, marking the beginning of his journey to sobriety.

The IF actor has been staying sober for over 11 years, crediting the 12-step program for his success and has used his platform to raise awareness about addiction.

Jamie Lee Curtis

The Oscar-winning actress, whose addiction began in the late 1980s, struggled with opioid addiction for over a decade.

Her addiction worsened as an aftermath of a cosmetic surgery procedure, however, after attendings attending her first recovery meeting in 1999, Curtis has been sober for over 26 years and has been an outspoken advocate for addiction recovery, using her platform.

Zac Efron

The 37-year-old actor, who turned to cocaine and alcohol as a coping mechanism, has been open about his struggles publicly.

In early 2013, the High School Musical actor attended rehab for substance abuse problems and alcohol addiction and has been sober ever since.

According to the Family Affair actor, he prioritises his health and well-being, focusing on exercise, healthy eating, and meditation to maintain his sobriety.

Macaulay Culkin

The Home Alone actor became addicted to oxycodone and heroin as well as benzodiazepines. He eventually dried out, but it left him with three suspended prison sentences and a $540 fine.

Now, a grown-up Culkin claims to be sober and focused on his personal life, including his partner Brenda Song and their two sons.

Drew Barrymore

Barrymore's struggles with drug addiction began at a young age as she started smoking marijuana at 9, drinking at 11, and smoking cocaine by 12.

The Charlie's Angels actress entered rehab multiple times, initially at 13, and continued to struggle with it into her early 20s, however, after years of battling addiction, Barrymore has maintained sobriety, crediting therapy, support groups, and self-care for her recovery.

Eminem

The Without Me rapper’s struggle with addiction began when he started abusing prescription opioids, such as Vicodin and Valium.

At the peak of his addiction, he was taking up to 20 pills a day, mixing them with other substances like Ambien and Xanax.

It only worsened with time specially after the death of his friend and bandmate, Proof, in 2006 after which he began taking more pills to cope with grief and stress.

It continued until 2007 when the Venom hitmaker suffered a near-fatal overdose which led to a prolonged hospital stay.

Eminem entered rehab in 2005 but continued to struggle with addiction. After his overdose, he committed to sobriety and has maintained it since April 2008.

Keith Urban

Urban's struggles with addiction began in the early 1990s when he started using alcohol and cocaine to cope with the pressures of launching his music career.

The country singer attended rehab multiple times, including stints in 1998 for cocaine addiction and in 2006 for alcohol addiction.

Moreover, Urban has been open about his journey to sobriety, which has lasted over 19 years for which he credits his wife Nicole Kidman, therapy, and support groups for his success.