Let's Explore
Introduced to marijuana by his father at age 8, Robert Downey Jr. battled heroin, alcohol, and cocaine addiction after finding success in acting. He's been sober since July 2003 and chooses to live in the present, starring in major roles like Iron Man and Sherlock Holmes.
Demi Lovato entered rehab at 17 for cocaine addiction and later struggled with substance use and alcohol, culminating in a near-fatal overdose in 2018. She is now an advocate for mental health and substance abuse support.
Actor Ben Affleck struggled with alcohol abuse, partly due to his father's own struggles, and attempted moderation before a difficult divorce in 2018 led him back into recovery. He is now motivated to stay sober for his children.
Actor Bradley Cooper battled alcohol abuse during his rise to fame, but started recovery in 2004 and has now been sober for almost 15 years. He uses his experiences to authentically portray characters with substance use disorder, although he rarely opens up about his past struggles.
Marilyn Monroe, a premier actress in the fifties and early sixties, struggled with physical ailments and was prescribed vodka for pain. Her substance use disorder, fear of not being good enough, and depression ultimately led to her death at age 36 due to a drug overdose.
Keith Urban, the famous singer and American Idol judge, battled addiction throughout the 1990s with cocaine and went through rehab for alcohol addiction in 2006.
At 13, Drew Barrymore announced she was an addict and went to rehab. Starting her career at 6, she battled with substance abuse and spent her teenage years overcoming her notoriety to become a successful actress and producer.
Rob Lowe's son, John Owen, credits his dad for helping him overcome addiction, stating that his support was crucial in helping him live a healthy lifestyle. John expressed gratitude for his supportive parents, acknowledging that not everyone has that kind of support.
Dax Shepard has been open about his addiction struggles with various substances, including alcohol and cocaine. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging his addiction every day to maintain his recovery.
Julia Fox, star of Uncut Gems, revealed in 2021 that she struggled with heroin and pill addiction but quit after a close friend died of an overdose. She said, "I'm never going to get high again, in her honor."