Conquering opioid addiction, whether the addiction involves prescription medication, heroin, or other forms of opiates, typically requires professional treatment that includes detox, intensive therapy, education, and relapse prevention planning. We can look to several famous people for examples of the dangers of opioids: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Prince, and Amy Winehouse died because of opioid overdoses. But we can also look to the famous for inspiration.
Success Stories
In this post, we’ll look at five celebrities who battled through opioid addiction, eventually finding their way to treatment and a sober life.
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. battled drug addiction for over a decade, beginning when he was a teenager. When asked how he overcame his addiction, Downey Jr. credits his current wife, who refused to marry him until he entered treatment and recovery. He entered a residential treatment program and has been sober since 2003.
Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry, when interviewed, said that after entering treatment and becoming sober, what really saved him from his opiate and drinking dependencies was the desire to help other people get and stay sober. At the same time, he acknowledges that “You can’t tell anyone to get sober. It has to come from you.”
Gerard Butler
Gerard Butler, after getting hooked on prescription opioid painkillers, decided that he wanted to start making better choices. This goal led to his entering a treatment program. He has been sober for over 15 years.
Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie, the talented daughter of musician Lionel Richie, openly talks about her addiction to heroin and alcohol. In an AP News article, she explains that her main goal is to use her past addiction as an example for her two children. Her goal of being a mother and sober role model seems to fuel her sobriety after her stay in residential treatment in 2003.
Steven Tyler
Steven Tyler, the super famous Aerosmith band member, shares that his ultimate goal has always been music. He says that music and songwriting give him a deeper high than heroin or alcohol ever could. After getting sober in the 80’s and entering treatment, he relapsed in the early 2000s with an addiction to painkillers. He entered rehab in 2009 and maintains his sobriety today.
It’s hard to tell what motivates some people to get sober and others to continue in their addiction. What we do know is that the five people above committed to sobriety no matter how many years it took–and that they entered professional treatment programs.
St. Gregory Can Help You Recover
At St. Gregory Recovery Center, we offer opportunities for every individual to receive quality treatment with an emphasis on finding purpose through spirituality, relationships, and therapy. If you or a loved one are ready to make a change, contact us today and speak to our admissions counselors. We would love to help you find your path to wellness.
