Despite the huge increase in knowledge and medical innovation, there is a large stigma related to mental health issues and substance abuse. It is important to know that there is nothing to be ashamed of if you have a drug or alcohol problem, and it is important to know that you are not alone. According to recent data, the number of people who meet the criteria for substance abuse in America is over 23 million people, while other studies put the number closer to 40 million.
The disease of addiction doesn’t discriminate when it comes to a person’s socioeconomic background. There are many famous people with addictions, including many celebrities who have been to a drug treatment center and are now public examples of people with long-term recovery; while some have lost their lives due to their substance abuse. Here are 7 celebrities who have struggled with substance abuse.
Robert Downey Jr.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Robert Downey Jr. admitted that his father first gave him marijuana at the young age of eight. Beginning with marijuana and eventually leading to an addiction with heroin, Downey Jr. said, “Smoking dope and smoking coke, you are rendered defenseless. The only way out of that hopeful state is intervention.” Sometimes you may feel defenseless and hopeless, but there is a way out, and intervention can be the key to a new way of life.
Bradley Cooper
Previously crowned “Sexiest Man Alive”, Bradley Cooper, who is known for leading roles in The Hangover and American Sniper, struggled with depression and addiction in his early 20s. Cooper eventually became suicidal but sought help before it was too late. Not everything that came out of his addiction was bad though. He says that his struggle with substance abuse helped him with his current work with A Star is Born. Cooper talked about the importance of his past experiences at a film festival, saying “…that’s all part of the beauty of turning whatever things you’ve gone through into a story. I find that to be very cathartic.” According to Cooper, you can use your pain and past experiences in a positive, meaningful way.
Lindsay Lohan
Celebs who achieve stardom at a young age sometimes have issues with self-image and derail, turning to addiction. Known for her early work in The Parent Trap and Mean Girls, Lohan has had substance abuse issues with alcohol, pot, Ecstasy and cocaine. Lohan made a post on Twitter before one of her times entering rehab saying, “Substance abuse is a disease, which unfortunately doesn’t go away overnight. I am working hard to overcome it and am taking positive steps.” She realized that substance abuse is a disease that takes time to recover from. Lohan is doing better now, playing a major role in a Netflix show called Sick Note.
David Hasselhoff
One can’t think of Baywatch without picturing David Hasselhoff. In a downward spiral beginning with domestic violence and divorce a downturn occurred when he posted a video online that his daughter took of him while he was lying on the floor, drunk and trying to eat a hamburger; however, his rock-bottom did not happen until he was 50 years old. He realized that he was letting himself and his family down, so he decided to go to rehab and get help. “When you have a problem, you have got to take care of it,” says Hasselhoff.
Elvis Presley
There has been an opioid epidemic across the United States, affecting many families and causing the US mortality rate to increase for another year in a row. But this is not a completely new phenomenon. Opioids have been abused by people ever since they were first manufactured, even contributing to the death of The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. It is well-known that The King died on the toilet, but not everyone knows that opiates are the underlying cause. Opiates create extreme constipation, which is why Elvis was so strained on the toilet that he likely had a heart attack. Sadly not everyone reaches out for help before it is too late.
Zac Efron
High School Musical star Zac Efron has had issues with alcohol and cocaine abuse. Efron started seeing a therapist and attending Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings, saying, “I just started going, and I think it’s changed my life. I’m much more comfortable in my own skin. Things are so much easier now.” If you are suffering from substance abuse, consider attending AA or other support group meetings. It is important to have people to talk to who understand what you are going through.
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III, aka Eminem, is a rapper who is considered to be one of the most influential artists of all time. He also had an issue with alcohol and opiate abuse, including a trip to the hospital where he almost overdosed. Eminem said in a recent documentary that he found strength in his role as a father — “I’m looking at my kids and [realizing] ‘I need to be here for this.” Everyone has different motivations for wanting to recover from substance abuse, and family is often a very powerful motivator. Recently as of April 2018, Eminem celebrated 10 years of sobriety proving that recovery is possible, despite all odds.
Overcome Addiction & Begin the Journey of Recovery
If you or someone you know is struggling with a drug or alcohol problem, it is important to take action. Currently, more than 200 people die every day from a drug-related overdose death according to CDC data. The time to get help is now. Rise in Malibu is a drug and alcohol treatment center in Malibu, California who believes that client care & outcome should come above all else. Our clinical, traditional & holistic approach to substance abuse treatment allows those who choose Rise in Malibu a path to sustainable, long-term recovery. Call us today at 1-866-229-5267 or contact us for more information about our drug rehab program in Malibu. Don’t wait any longer, recovery awaits.
