15 Celebrities Who Opened Up About Relapse: Why Their Stories Matter
Relapse is one of the most misunderstood aspects of addiction recovery. When celebrities like Demi Lovato, Ben Affleck, and Dax Shepard share their stories publicly, they help shatter the myth that setbacks mean failure—and remind millions that recovery is always possible, no matter how many times you have to start again.
💫 The Truth About Relapse
Relapse doesn’t mean failure. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40-60% of people in recovery experience relapse—rates comparable to other chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. The celebrities on this list prove that setbacks are part of the journey, not the end of it.
Why Celebrity Relapse Stories Matter
When someone in the public eye talks openly about relapse, it does more than generate headlines. These stories serve a vital purpose in changing how society views addiction and recovery.
💜 The Power of Public Recovery Stories
- Reduces stigma: Seeing successful people struggle normalizes asking for help
- Proves recovery is possible: Many celebrities relapse and come back stronger
- Encourages honesty: Public accountability inspires others to be truthful
- Shows addiction doesn’t discriminate: Wealth and fame don’t protect anyone
- Validates the struggle: Knowing others face similar challenges reduces isolation
As more celebrities choose vulnerability over secrecy, the ripple effects reach millions. People feel less afraid to admit they’re struggling. Workplaces offer better support. And the message becomes clear: sobriety isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence.
1. Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato
Singer, Actress, Advocate
Demi Lovato’s journey has been one of the most publicly documented battles with addiction. After first entering treatment in 2010 for substance abuse, bipolar disorder, and an eating disorder at age 17, Lovato achieved six years of sobriety before relapsing in 2018.
The relapse led to a near-fatal overdose involving fentanyl-laced heroin, resulting in three strokes and a heart attack. Rather than retreating from the spotlight, Lovato chose radical transparency.
“I have always been transparent about my journey with addiction. What I’ve learned is that this illness is not something that disappears or fades with time. It is something I must continue to overcome.”
Today, Lovato continues advocating for mental health awareness and addiction recovery, reminding fans that the journey isn’t linear—but it’s always worth continuing.
2. Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck
Actor, Director, Academy Award Winner
Ben Affleck has described alcohol addiction as something he’s struggled with throughout his life. He first entered rehab in 2001, returned in 2017, and again in 2018—demonstrating that even multiple treatment stays are part of the process for some people.
Rather than hiding his setbacks, Affleck has been remarkably candid about the ongoing nature of recovery.
“If you have a problem, getting help is a sign of courage, not weakness or failure.”
His willingness to re-enter treatment multiple times has become an example of accountability—showing that asking for help again isn’t giving up, it’s persevering.
3. Dax Shepard
Dax Shepard
Actor, Podcaster, Recovery Advocate
Dax Shepard achieved sobriety from alcohol, cocaine, and opiates in September 2005 and maintained it for 16 years. Then in 2020, following a motorcycle accident, he relapsed on prescription painkillers.
What made his story remarkable was how he handled it. Rather than hiding, he announced his relapse publicly on his podcast “Armchair Expert” with complete accountability.
“I was high at an AA meeting having people tell me they admire my sobriety. It was the worst thing in the world.”
Shepard has since returned to sobriety and continues using his platform to discuss recovery honestly—including the uncomfortable parts. His transparency has made him one of the most respected voices in the recovery community.
4. Natasha Lyonne
Natasha Lyonne
Actress, Russian Doll Creator
The “Russian Doll” star quit drinking in 2006 after receiving treatment at an inpatient rehab facility. By her own account, she was “as good as dead” before getting help—a reminder of how serious addiction can become.
After 10 years of sobriety, Lyonne revealed in January 2026 that she had relapsed. Rather than hiding, she took her struggle public on social media.
“Recovery is a lifelong process. Anyone out there struggling, remember you’re not alone. If no one told ya today, I love you. Keep going, kiddos. Don’t quit before the miracle.”
Her message emphasized that setbacks don’t erase progress—they’re simply another chapter in the ongoing story of recovery.
5. Keith Urban
Keith Urban
Country Music Star, Grammy Winner
As Keith Urban’s career struggled to take off in the 1990s, he turned increasingly to alcohol and drugs. By the time he achieved his first #1 hit, he was caught in a vicious cycle of recovery and relapse.
Just four months after marrying Nicole Kidman in 2006, his addictions threatened to destroy everything. Rather than leave, Kidman supported him through treatment.
“We got married in June 2006 and barely four months into our marriage, my addictions that I had done really nothing about blew our marriage to smithereens. She pushed through every negative voice and chose love.”
Urban has maintained his recovery since that 2006 treatment and has won multiple Grammys, proving that rock bottom can become a foundation for something better.
6. Kelly Osbourne
Kelly Osbourne
TV Personality, Fashion Designer
Growing up as Ozzy Osbourne’s daughter in the spotlight of “The Osbournes” reality show, Kelly faced public scrutiny during her struggle with addiction. After achieving four years of sobriety, she relapsed in April 2021.
Her response demonstrated the power of honesty in recovery:
“This is a little hard for me to talk about, but I’ve always promised you that I will always be honest with you about where I’m at and what’s going on in my road to recovery. I relapsed. Not proud of it. But I am back on track.”
She reminded her followers that recovery “truly is just one day at a time” and that transparency—not perfection—is what matters.
7. AJ McLean
AJ McLean
Backstreet Boys Member
The Backstreet Boys member first tried drugs before filming the music video for “The Call” in 2000. His struggle with addiction spanned decades and included multiple relapses throughout his career.
After getting sober again in 2021, McLean saw remarkable positive changes within a year—including losing 32 pounds by cutting out alcohol and fast food.
“I’m sticking this one out all the way. It’s a daily thing. But I have finally done what has been suggested amongst the sober community, and my life has flipped in a positive way. I’ve discovered new verbiage, such as boundaries, never really had those. Now I have those, which is a blessing.”
8. Chrissy Teigen
Chrissy Teigen
Model, Author, TV Personality
Chrissy Teigen quit drinking in 2017 and again in 2020 before relapsing in 2025. Her vulnerability about the struggle resonated with millions who understand how difficult moderation can be.
“I let alcohol back into my life. The truth is, I don’t know what I’m doing. I 100% know I like me better sober. I 100% know I get more done, I absolutely feel better in my body without it. And I am 100% pissed that I can’t be normal and have a cocktail with my husband on vacay without it turning into 8 and feeling like s***.”
After speaking with others in recovery, Teigen stopped drinking again—demonstrating how community support can help someone get back on track.
9. Eminem
Eminem
Rapper, Producer, Oscar Winner
Eminem’s struggle with prescription pill addiction culminated in an overdose that became a turning point. Missing his daughter Hailie Jade’s birthday party while in the grip of addiction provided the wake-up call he needed.
In his 2025 documentary “Stans,” he reflected on that moment with raw honesty:
“I cried because it was like, ‘Oh my god, I missed that.’ I kept saying to myself, ‘Do you want to miss this again? Do you want to miss everything? If you can’t do it for yourself, at least do it for them.'”
Channeling his energy back into music helped him stay sober. He now treats sobriety as a “superpower” and takes pride in his recovery, using exercise (particularly running) as a coping mechanism.
10. Steven Tyler
Steven Tyler
Aerosmith Frontman, Rock Legend
The Aerosmith frontman engaged fully in the excessive rock culture of the 1970s before his bandmates staged an intervention in the 1980s. That intervention marked the beginning of his recovery—but not the end of his struggles.
Tyler has relapsed multiple times over the decades, most recently not with heroin (his original substance) but with prescription painkillers and sleeping medications. After each relapse, he returned to treatment.
Now in his 70s with over nine years of continuous sobriety, Tyler attributes his sustained recovery to that initial intervention—calling it the reason he’s still alive today. He continues attending AA meetings regularly.
11. John Mulaney
John Mulaney
Comedian, Writer, Actor
The beloved comedian was sober from 2005 to 2020—15 years—before relapsing during the pandemic. In December 2020, he voluntarily checked into rehab for alcoholism and cocaine addiction.
According to those close to him, it was a relief that he recognized the need for help and made the choice himself. His decision to enter treatment saved his life.
Since leaving treatment, Mulaney has committed to his sobriety while continuing his successful comedy career. His willingness to seek help during one of the most difficult periods in recent history (the COVID-19 pandemic) resonated with many facing similar struggles.
12. Macklemore
Macklemore
Grammy-Winning Rapper, Recovery Advocate
Macklemore’s substance abuse started at age 13 or 14 when he raided his parents’ liquor cabinet. His first drinking experience involved 12 shots—alone, unable to stop. That inability to control his intake would define his struggle.
Though he didn’t progress to heroin, he battled severe addiction to painkillers and prescription opioids. He attended rehab in August 2008 and remained sober for three years before a “short but significant relapse” in 2011.
After recommitting to sobriety, Macklemore became one of the most vocal celebrity advocates for addiction recovery, often addressing the topic in his socially-aware music and public appearances.
13. Eric Clapton
Eric Clapton
Guitar Legend, Rock Hall of Famer
At the peak of his heroin addiction in the 1970s, Eric Clapton spent an astounding $16,000 per week to feed his habit. He entered recovery but continued misusing alcohol and cocaine for years, finally finding success in rehab in 1987.
One of the most remarkable moments in his recovery came when he faced the tragic loss of his four-year-old son, Conor. Rather than turning back to substances, Clapton channeled his grief into music, writing “Tears in Heaven”—one of his most acclaimed songs.
In 1998, he built the Crossroads Centre for alcohol and drug treatment in Antigua, dedicating himself to helping others find the recovery he achieved.
14. Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore
Actress, Producer, Talk Show Host
Drew Barrymore made headlines in 1989 by entering rehab at just 13 years old. She had her first drink at age 9—shortly after achieving fame in E.T.—and soon progressed to marijuana and cocaine.
Despite this incredibly early start, Barrymore overcame her addiction during her teenage years and has built a successful career in acting, producing, and hosting her own talk show.
Today, she focuses on helping others through her platform, featuring recovery stories from both celebrities and everyday people. She often speaks about self-forgiveness and starting over—messages that resonate deeply with those still in the storm.
15. Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis
Oscar-Winning Actress, Author
Jamie Lee Curtis struggled quietly for years with addiction before choosing recovery. Her dependence on prescription painkillers began after a cosmetic procedure—a story all too common for many people.
Curtis has been sober for decades now and speaks openly about how easily addiction can hide behind success. She uses her platform to advocate for substance abuse awareness and changing opiate policies.
She calls overcoming her addiction the biggest accomplishment of her life—more significant than any Oscar or film role. Her story demonstrates that addiction doesn’t always look like what we expect.
What We Can Learn From These Stories
🔄 Relapse Isn’t Failure
Every celebrity on this list experienced setbacks—and every one of them came back. Relapse is a signal to adjust your approach, not proof that recovery is impossible.
🤝 Support Systems Matter
From Nicole Kidman standing by Keith Urban to the sober community helping Chrissy Teigen, recovery rarely happens alone. Building a support network is essential.
💬 Honesty Helps Everyone
When celebrities share their struggles publicly, it reduces stigma and helps others feel less alone. Transparency—not perfection—is what heals.
⏰ Recovery Takes Time
Many of these celebrities took years or decades to find lasting sobriety. The timeline is different for everyone, and that’s okay.
🧠 Mental Health Connection
Many stories involve co-occurring conditions like bipolar disorder, anxiety, or depression. Treating the whole person—not just the addiction—is crucial.
💪 It’s Never Too Late
From Drew Barrymore at 13 to Steven Tyler in his 70s, these stories prove that recovery is possible at any age and any stage.
Understanding the Stages of Relapse
Relapse doesn’t happen suddenly—it’s a process. Recognizing the early stages allows for intervention before substance use occurs.
The Three Stages of Relapse
Emotional Relapse
You’re not thinking about using, but your emotions and behaviors are setting you up for potential relapse. Signs include isolation, bottling up emotions, poor self-care, not attending meetings, and focusing on others’ problems.
Mental Relapse
Part of you wants to use and part doesn’t. Signs include cravings, thinking about people/places associated with past use, minimizing consequences, bargaining, lying, and planning relapse around others’ schedules.
Physical Relapse
This is the actual use of substances. Once mental relapse progresses far enough without intervention, physical relapse can feel almost automatic. The key is intervening in earlier stages.
Getting Back on Track After Relapse
If you’ve experienced a relapse, remember: you haven’t lost everything you’ve learned. Here’s what the experts recommend:
✅ Steps to Take After Relapse
- Don’t give up: A setback is not the end of your story
- Reach out immediately: Contact a sponsor, therapist, or treatment center
- Assess what happened: Identify triggers and warning signs you may have missed
- Update your prevention plan: Learn from this experience
- Consider treatment intensity: You may need a higher level of care temporarily
- Practice self-compassion: Shame fuels addiction; kindness supports recovery
- Recommit daily: Recovery truly is one day at a time
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 40-60% of people in addiction recovery experience relapse—rates comparable to other chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Relapse doesn’t mean failure. It indicates the need to resume treatment, modify your approach, or try a different strategy. The key is getting back into recovery, not achieving perfection.
First, don’t give up. Seek support immediately from a sponsor, therapist, treatment center, or trusted person in recovery. Assess what triggered the relapse—was it stress, a specific person, an emotion, or a location? Update your relapse prevention plan based on what you learned. Consider whether you need to increase your treatment intensity. Most importantly, practice self-compassion rather than shame, and recommit to recovery one day at a time.
Celebrities share relapse stories for several important reasons: to reduce stigma around addiction, to show that addiction affects everyone regardless of success or wealth, to inspire others who are struggling, to practice accountability in their own recovery, and to prove that setbacks don’t have to define your journey. When public figures are honest about their struggles, it helps normalize asking for help and reminds others they’re not alone.
Effective relapse prevention strategies include: identifying your personal triggers (people, places, emotions, situations), maintaining a strong support system, continuing therapy and/or support group attendance, practicing consistent self-care, having an emergency plan for high-risk moments, addressing co-occurring mental health conditions, building healthy routines and coping skills, and recognizing the early stages of relapse (emotional and mental) before they progress to substance use.
Relapse typically occurs in three stages: Emotional relapse (isolation, poor self-care, bottling up emotions—you’re not thinking about using but your behaviors are setting you up), Mental relapse (cravings, romanticizing past use, bargaining, planning relapse—part of you wants to use), and Physical relapse (actual substance use). Recognizing and intervening in the earlier stages is key to preventing the physical relapse.
No. Relapse is not a sign of failure—it’s an indication that treatment needs to be resumed, modified, or intensified. Just like with other chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension, setbacks are part of the process for many people. The 40-60% relapse rate for addiction is similar to relapse rates for these other conditions. The key is viewing relapse as information about what needs to change, not as proof that recovery is impossible.
Related Resources
Signs Your Loved One Needs Help
Recognizing when someone is struggling
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Treating addiction with co-occurring conditions
What to Expect in Treatment
Your first week in outpatient care
Recovery Is Always Possible
If you’ve experienced a relapse—or you’re worried about one—you don’t have to face it alone. Nova Transformations offers compassionate, evidence-based treatment to help you get back on track.
Sources
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Treatment and Recovery. NIDA
Recovery Research Institute. National Recovery Study 2024.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). National Survey on Drug Use and Health 2023.
American Addiction Centers. Relapse Statistics. AAC
Melemis SM. Relapse Prevention and the Five Rules of Recovery. Yale J Biol Med. 2015;88(3):325-332. NCBI
