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Drugs, alcohol, and fame have long been intertwined in Hollywood’s industry. The constant pressure to perform, maintain a public image, and navigate global scrutiny often drives stars toward self-destructive habits, which are often disguised as a form of relief. For decades, the entertainment industry has glamorized excess, but the reality behind the scenes is far more sobering. It’s a reality that sometimes includes addiction, public breakdowns, and tragic losses. From music icons to movie legends, sober celebrities have found themselves at the crossroads between fame and freedom, choosing recovery as their greatest comeback.
The industry’s culture of indulgence can lead to dark spirals, mental health struggles, ruined relationships, and even death. It doesn’t always have to end that way, though. Countless stars have fought their way back from addiction, redefining themselves through sobriety. They’ve proven that strength and vulnerability can coexist, and that healing isn’t weakness, but rather a form of power.
Recently, Offset and Allen Iverson have become the latest public figures to open up about their journey to sobriety. Offset revealed that he’s been four years clean from codeine, saying his son inspired him to quit after realizing drugs weren’t necessary for creativity. Meanwhile, NBA Hall of Famer Allen Iverson announced he’s been six months sober from alcohol, calling it one of the best decisions of his life. Both men’s stories show how breaking free from destructive habits can spark a new era of clarity, health, and purpose.
Their stories mirror a growing wave of celebrities who are redefining what strength looks like. Sobriety isn’t just about quitting; it’s about reclaiming control, mental clarity, and emotional stability. From those who hit rock bottom to those who simply wanted better for themselves, their decisions to change prove that redemption is always possible, regardless of fame or fortune. They also further emphasize that recovery and self-control can coexist with success. Check out a list of 20 sober celebrities whose journeys reflect the courage it takes to walk away from addiction, temptation, and old habits in pursuit of peace and purpose. Congrats to all of these people for making a tough but essential decision for the greater good.
1. Robert Downey Jr.
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Once one of Hollywood’s most infamous addicts, Downey Jr. spent years battling heroin and cocaine before finding recovery in 2003. Through therapy, meditation, and family support, he rebuilt his career and life…ultimately becoming Iron Man and one of cinema’s greatest comeback stories.
2. Offset
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The Migos rapper opened up about being fur years sober from codeine, saying he quit after realizing how it affected his family and creativity. He credits fatherhood and self-discipline for helping him stay focused and grounded.
3. Steve-O
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Known for his chaotic Jackass stunts, Steve-O’s partying spiraled into heavy drug use and near death experiences. After an intervention from friends in 2008, he entered rehab and has been sober ever since, now using his platform to help others in recovery.
4. Lena Waithe
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The Emmy-winning writer and producer decided to give up alcohol to prioritize her mental clarity and creative flow. She’s spoken about how sobriety has sharpened her focus and deepened her storytelling.
5. Mary J. Blige
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The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul endured years of alcohol and cocaine abuse while hiding behind fame and success. Over a decade sober, she credits faith, therapy, and music for her healing, calling recovery her “greatest victory.”
6. Eminem
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The rap legend nearly died in 2007 after a methadone overdoes during his battle with prescription pill addiction. Now more than 15 years sober, he says his kids and music gave him purpose to fight for life again.
7. Macklemore
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The Grammy-winning rapper has long been open about his struggles with alcohol and relapse. He continues to live sober and uses music to inspire others to stay strong through addiction recovery.
8. Samuel L. Jackson
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Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, Jackson fought heroin and cocaine addiction in the 1980s. Now more than 30 years sober, he credits his wife and family for helping him stay grounded.
9. Demi Lovato
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The pop star’s battles with addiction, overdose, and recovery have been public and painful. Lovato has since found a balanced path, embracing therapy, music, and faith as key parts of their sobriety and mental health journey.
10. Anthony Anderson
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The Black-ish star quit drinking to improve his health and manage diabetes. He says sobriety has given him renewed energy and helped him live more intentionally.
11. Allen Iverson
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Once known for his hard-living lifestyle, the NBA Hall of Famer revealed he’s now six months sober from alcohol. Iverson says the change has brought him peace and a clearer sense of direction.
12. Russell Brand
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The British comedian spent years addicted to heroin and alcohol before entering rehab in 2002. More than 20 years sober now, Brand advocates for recovery, mindfulness, and purpose through his books and podcasts.
13. Fantasia Barrino
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The American Idol winner once leaned on alcohol to cope with pain and pressure after early fame. Today she’s years sober, crediting prayer, family, and self-love for helping her heal.
14. Brad Pitt
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After his public divorce from Angelina Jolie, Pitt sought help for his heavy drinking and depression. Since getting sober, he’s spoken about the power of therapy and emotional honesty in his recovery.
15. Chris Rock
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The comedian revealed he quit drinking and started therapy to manage depression and trauma. He says sobriety has brought him calm, focus, and a deeper sense of personal peace.
16. Doja Cat
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In 2024, Doja Cat shared that she quit drinking after realizing alcohol made her feel “out of control.” She says sobriety has sharpened her creativity and made her feel more in tune with herself.
17. Ben Affleck
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Affleck’s long struggle with alcoholism has led to multiple stints in rehab and public relapses. Now asober and self-aware, he continues to focus on family, acting, and long-term recovery.
18. Doechii
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The rising rapper revealed she was constantly drinking and partying early in her career until she lost sight of herself. After quitting alcohol, she says her creativity and confidence returned stronger than ever.
19. Naomi Capmbell
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The supermodel faced addiction struggles in the early 2000s, entering rehab for cocaine and alcohol abuse. Now sober and focused on health, she’s become an advocate for wellness and emotional recovery.
20. Charlie Sheen
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Once known for his wild partying and public meltdowns, Sheen’s addictions to drugs and alcohol nearly destroyed his career and family life. He’s now been sober since 2017, crediting fatherhood and self-reflection for helping him find peace and stability.
