Celebrities can often seem like distant moguls who don’t share the same life experiences as the rest of us. That’s not always true – many celebs have encountered problems with substance use, and their experiences can be beneficial for the recovery community. This is especially true when they are willing to share their stories with the large platforms available to them.
Their ability to speak to millions of people about their struggles with substance use disorder (SUD) and recovery can be seriously helpful. Celeb stories and inspiring quotes can serve as a source of resilience and encouragement for those who enjoy their work and are struggling themselves.
Being notable or famous does not make you immune to SUD or any other component of the human condition.
From Jamie Lee Curtis to Stephen King, here are some celebrity quotes about addiction and recovery:
Recovery Quotes from Famous Actors
Hollywood actors are perhaps the most notable group of celebrities who often struggle with SUD. These actors have shared their stories with us in hopes of encouraging others.
Jamie Lee Curtis
You may know her as Laurie Strode from the popular “Halloween” slasher franchise, or if you’re a bit younger, you may know her as the mom from “Freaky Friday.”
Either way, her screen career was dotted with SUD issues, but as of 2024, Jamie Lee Curtis has been in recovery for 25 years.
Curtis began her battle with substance use in the late 1980s, finally achieving sobriety in 1999. She credits her recovery to support groups, therapy, and self-determination, stating she is focused on self-awareness, honesty, and accountability.
Since achieving sobriety, Curtis has become an outspoken advocate for recovery. She continues to use her large social media platform to raise awareness about SUD and how it can impact anyone.
Demi Lovato
Lovato began her acting career on “Barney & Friends,” but found stardom on the Disney Channel for her role in “Camp Rock” when she was just 16 years old. Two short years later, at 18 years old, she began using drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with her depression, anxiety, self-harm, and eating disorders.
Lovato’s journey to recovery began after a near-fatal overdose in 2018. Since then, she has focused on holistic healing, including therapy and spiritual practices, and has advocated for mental health and recovery.
She has since released a documentary series about her journey.
Rob Lowe
Rob Lowe may be known for his signature grin and charm, but through his rise to fame in the 1980s, he was struggling with SUD. He has been open about his battles, sharing how his substance use began as a way to cope with the pressures of fame and the demands of the entertainment industry.
In 1990, he found himself spiraling out of control and decided he needed a change in his life. He entered a rehab
program, participated in therapy and support groups, and began making healthier choices for himself. Since making these changes, Lowe has been in recovery for over 30 years.
Lowe continues to be an outspoken advocate for recovery by sharing his story through interviews, social media, and memoirs, supporting recovery organizations, and advocating for healthy lifestyles.
Samuel L. Jackson
The “Pulp Fiction” actor has been on his recovery journey since 1991, after struggling with substance use disorder since the 80s. Jackson credits a heartfelt conversation with his wife and daughter as his turning point, and he decided to enter rehab in Minnesota that same year.
After beginning his path toward recovery, Jackson’s career took off, leading to iconic roles in the “Avengers” franchise, “Jurassic Park,” and as Frozone in “The Incredibles.”
He said that his recovery provided him with the clarity and focus he needed to excel in his work and maintain healthy relationships.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr.’s career took off in the 80s and 90s, but so did his substance use. For five years, he was in and out of jail and rehab facilities. He began to lose pivotal movie roles, and after an arrest in 2001, he decided to fully commit to recovery.
During his recovery, he began making a career comeback. His role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe began with “Iron Man” in 2008, redefining his career and making him one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors.
Robert Downey Jr. attributes his over two decades in recovery to therapy, meditation, and the support of his family. He has spoken about the importance of maintaining mental and physical health while on his recovery journey.
Jamie Campbell Bower
“Stranger Things” actor Jamie Campbell Bower has publicly acknowledged struggling with substance use disorders involving both alcohol and illicit drugs. These struggles began early in his career. After recognizing the detrimental effects that SUD was having on his life, he decided to pursue recovery.
As a part of recovery, Bower says he embraced mindfulness practices and focused on improving his mental and physical health.
He shares his experiences in his band, Counterfeit, which explores themes of SUD and recovery within their music. Bower wants to inspire others struggling with similar issues and promote the importance of seeking support.
Gerard Butler
Gerard Butler is a charismatic Scottish actor and film producer. He has been in movies such as “300,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” and was a prominent voice actor for the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise.
Early on in Butler’s career, he struggled with alcohol use. In 2012, he completed treatment for substance use at a rehab facility, at that time admitting that after a surfing accident, he found himself becoming dependent on painkillers.
Butler has since adopted a healthier lifestyle through diet and exercise and uses his platform to raise awareness and offer support to others.
Quotes from Sober Musicians
The rock’n’roll lifestyle (and that of many other performing genres) frequently places musicians in the proximity of drugs and alcohol. Here’s how some prominent musical artists found success in recovery.
Elton John
Sir Elton John began his career in 1969 and has become one of the most influential musicians in history. However, amidst his growing popularity in the ’70s and ’80s, he began struggling with severe substance use disorder. After the death of his friend and AIDS activist Ryan White, he says he felt regret over the amount of time he spent misusing drugs and alcohol. This moment, as well as an intervention staged by his friends and family (including Freddie Mercury, who encouraged him to seek help), was the turning point he needed in his life.
In 1990, Elton John entered a rehab facility in Chicago, committing himself to recovery. It was there that he learned to cope with stress and emotions without relapsing. Since then, he has remained on his recovery journey. Sobriety has enabled him to establish the Elton John AIDS Foundation and help other celebrities overcome their substance use disorders, including George Michael and Eminem.
Alice Cooper
For over 50 years, Alice Cooper has been entertaining fans of rock’n’roll music. He has been called the “godfather of shock rock” because of his shows featuring onstage horror dramatics. Unfortunately, in the 70s and 80s, he developed severe SUD that began affecting his health and his career.
In 1983, he checked himself into a rehab facility after experiencing multiple health issues, including cirrhosis of the liver.
He stated that his decision to recover was motivated by the desire to save his life and keep his family.
Cooper credits exercise, a balanced diet, and his deep Christian faith in maintaining his recovery.
Now in his 70s, Cooper has continued his successful career with six of his studio albums having achieved platinum.
Eminem
Eminem’s substance use began in the late 1990s and early 2000s, worsening after the death of his close childhood friend, Proof. In 2007, after experiencing a near-fatal overdose, Eminem realized his SUD was severe and he needed to seek help.
He entered rehab and credits his family, friends, exercise, routine, and healthier lifestyle choices as how he maintains recovery. He has shared his journey through his music, with albums such as “Relapse” in 2009 and “Recovery” in 2010.
Keith Urban
Since the beginning of his country music career, Keith Urban has struggled with alcohol and drug use. His substance use disorder began to strain the relationships with those he loved and negatively impacted his career. This prompted him to check into a Nashville treatment center in 1998. Unfortunately, he began using substances again.
Four months into his marriage with actress Nicole Kidman in 2006, Urban checked himself into treatment once again, stating that his wife’s support and intervention was the turning point in his recovery journey.
Urban has emphasized how important the role of a support system is for achieving recovery, along with attending therapy and meetings. He has become an outspoken advocate for inspiring others who are facing similar experiences.
Quotes About Sobriety from Authors and Journalists
While authors and journalists may not enjoy the limelight to the extent of their actor and musician counterparts, the industry still features plenty of stumbling blocks for those in recovery. Here are some authors and journalists who found success.
Stephen King
Tom Stoddart
Throughout his journey, King relied on his family and his writing as a creative outlet. He has been an advocate against the idea that substances fuel creativity, something he calls “one of the great pop-intellectual myths of our time.”
Tom Stoddart is a well-known British photojournalist who covered the civil war in Lebanon, the siege of Sarajevo, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Not many details of his personal
life and recovery journey have been shared. However, he has many accolades, such as several World Press awards and the Larry Burrows Award for exceptional war photography.
Join Our Community in Recovery at Addiction Freedom Now
It is important to remember that celebrities, despite their fame and success, experience the same human struggles as everyone else. Whether you identify with these individuals, are on your own recovery journey, or want to see a loved one find success in recovery, join our recovery community at Addiction Freedom Now.
We share resources to help all types of people through their recovery journey while fighting the stigma surrounding SUD.
Looking for more motivation and encouragement? This collection of top inspirational quotes for those in early recovery will uplift your spirits and provide strength.
You got this.
