Here is a list of celebrities drug and alcohol addiction. Sometimes we might think these people have it all. Money, fame, friends and a wonderful romantic life. But the truth could not be farther than this. Many celebrities struggle with substance abuse throughout their lives and it is a really tough battle for some. What’s more, they also try to get help, sometimes successfully. In the case of other people, it is simply a tragic affair. Without further ado, let us begin the list of celebrities struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
Elton John
During his rise to fame, Elton John struggled with addiction due to the prevalent drug culture. The movie Rocketman shows how he relied on alcohol and cocaine to boost his confidence.
However, after the death of his friend Ryan White in 1990, a passionate AIDS activist, Elton decided to seek help and change his life. He established an AIDS Foundation to support the cause. Also, he does a lot of work to support this foundation and his work. Recently, Elton celebrated 29 years of sobriety and shared the milestone on Instagram.
Bradley Cooper
While Bradley Cooper gained fame for his roles in funny and romantic movies, he battled alcohol and drug addiction. His struggles were severe, even resorting to self-harm and contemplating suicide.
Fortunately, at 29 years old, Bradley made a life-changing decision to leave behind his destructive habits. In a 2013 interview with GQ, he shared that continuing down that path would have ruined his entire life. Also, he took immediate steps to make sure he does not continue along this path.Â
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson, the iconic pop legend, faced personal struggles while in the public eye. Tragically, he passed away in 2009 due to the effects of propofol and benzodiazepine overdose. These drugs were used to combat chronic fatigue and insomnia, particularly for his planned comeback tour.
Michael’s reliance on painkillers lasted for a long time, as it was revealed during a wrongful death lawsuit that he was an “extensive” drug addict for the last 15 years of his life. Also, people still wonder if it was drugs that really killed him.Â
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston, the incredibly talented singer, tragically drowned in her bathtub in 2011 due to the heavy use of cocaine. While her death was accidental, coroners found a combination of cocaine and 12 different prescription drugs in her system.
Throughout her career, Whitney struggled with drug addiction, which received extensive media attention. She openly admitted to using alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and pills, particularly during her tumultuous relationship with singer Bobby Brown. In a 2009 interview with Oprah, she shared that her drug use peaked during the height of her fame.
Sia
Sia, a singer and songwriter, unknowingly became addicted to alcohol and painkillers like Vicodin and Oxycodone. She attributes this dependency to the challenges she faced as an artist. However, she found the strength to overcome her addiction and also developed her unique stage persona, propelling her to fame. On The Late Late Show, she revealed:
“I had been singing for about 10 or 11 years with limited success, and I was struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. Then Idecided to get sober and at that point, I didn’t want to be an artist anymore… I was becoming somewhat famous, which was unsettling in some ways… So, I thought, ‘What is missing in pop music right now?’ and it was a mystery.” Today, Sia celebrates nine years of sobriety alongside her achievements as an artist.
Daniel Radcliffe
Daniel Radcliffe, the young actor who played Harry Potter, faced challenges after achieving fame at a tender age. He turned to excessive drinking as a result. During the filming of the last three Harry Potter movies, Daniel openly admitted to being regularly intoxicated. In a podcast, he shared:
“On the last day of ‘Potter,’ I was quite devastated. I was really worried. Then IÂ lived alone, and I was extremely frightened… I drank a lot, as people have noted.”
Although Daniel acknowledged that he was not comfortable enough with himself to remain sober, he has since dedicated a significant amount of time to focus on his well-being and maintain a sober lifestyle. It’s an unexpected fact about the cast of Potter that you may not have known!
Prince
Prince, a legendary musician, tragically passed away from an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a potent drug. Surprisingly, very few people were aware of his addiction. For years, Prince concealed his dependence on pain pills. With only those closest to him suspecting his struggle.
Manuela Testolini, Prince’s former spouse, disclosed that he used narcotic pain pills to manage his severe hip pain during their marriage. Police discovered that Prince had an appointment with an addiction specialist. Scheduled for the day after his untimely death, highlighting his efforts to seek help. After Prince’s passing, his family filed a lawsuit against his doctor, alleging that the doctor contributed to his addiction by prescribing excessive amounts of painkillers. It is a sad truth about Prince’s life that came to light after his demise.
Heath Ledger
Heath Ledger, famous for his portrayal of the Joker in The Dark Knight, tragically passed away from an overdose of various prescription drugs. Contrary to popular belief, Heath’s father, Kim, stated that his son did not have an opioid addiction. It was a tragic mistake that led to his untimely death.
Ledger’s family found him unconscious in his house at the age of 28. Many speculate that the emotional toll of his role in the Batman movie contributed to his fragile state of mind. Additionally, his separation from his partner, Michelle Williams, a few months earlier, is believed to have added to his troubles.
Heath’s family is left to cope with the devastating loss, knowing that he mixed drugs and sleeping pills, resulting in his irreversible passing. It is a heartbreaking reality they must face.
Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato, known for their amazing singing, has faced a public battle with drugs and alcohol. They have been in and out of rehab, struggling to stay away from cocaine. They started using the illegal substance at the young age of 17. In 2018, they suffered a relapse. She went to the hospital after overdosing on oxycodone mixed with fentanyl. Since then, Demi has made a commitment to stay sober and has been successful so far. Also, they are even a co-owner of a rehab facility. They are trying their best.Â
Amy Winehouse
We know this tale. Amy Winheouse fought a long battle against alcohol and drugs. She also had depression and anxiety disorder. What’s more, her life was very controversial. Amy used ketamine and heroin a lot. Erratic episodes were just a part of her behavior. Rehab was of not much use to her. Amy eventually died of alcohol poisoning at the young age of 27.Â
Marilyn Monroe
We suspect Marilyn Monroe died of drug overdose. Authorities found her lying among a variety of prescription pills, specifically used to treat insomnia. Now we think Marilyn had a fairytale life. She had the love of politicians, film stars and other big names. But behind the doors, she suffered from terrible mental illnesses. It is very tragic that we lost her at the age of 36. But no one can really blame her.Â
Charlie Sheen
Charlie Sheen, known as the ‘bad boy’ of Hollywood, struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol. He overdosed on cocaine, causing a stroke. After multiple rehab stints, he has been sober for two years, inspired by his children. It is really great. Charlie Sheen is a wonderful actor. Seen Apocalypse Now yet?
Also read: Do You Have a Pornography Addiction: Learn the Signs
