Celebrities are always a popular topic in the media. It seems like there is a reality show for just about every celebrity and every related topic — including drug & alcohol addiction. Most people have heard the tabloid versions of the different celeb addiction struggles — all you have to do is look in the grocery checkout aisle — and it is hard to pick out the positive news in a sea of negative media coverage, but it is there if you look for it.
Women In Recovery
What does it mean to be a woman in recovery? Whether you are in the spotlight or not, both addiction and recovery pose unique challenges for women. Although both sexes may experience backlash as a result of their addiction, there seems to be harsher judgment toward women. This is because the stigma that is still unfortunately attached to addiction is even stronger when the addict is a female. Society expects different things from women, and different behavior. Judgment, ridicule and shaming appear more frequent and more vicious.
Women In The Media
The media can be tough on women even when they aren’t struggling with addiction. There is a high level of pressure to be perfect. Any weight gain or blemish is subject to intense scrutiny, and wearing the wrong outfit can make front page news. Gossip magazines are seemingly thrilled when a female celeb misbehaves or takes an unflattering photo.
While this is extreme, it is just a magnifying glass for what all women struggle with in a society that expects women to behave and look a certain way.
This is why it is so important for women to be role models to other women. Whether it be women loving and accepting themselves for who they are, or women who show other women that recovery is possible, and that you can stay sober in the face of hardship, criticism and “bad press.”
5 Women Celebs In Recovery
Jamie Lee Curtis
Jamie Lee Curtis makes the top of the list. As a woman and actress with over 15 years clean and sober. Curtis is vocal about her sobriety, calling it her “biggest accomplishment.”
Jamie Lee Curtis has been in Hollywood since her teens and her performances in horror movies such as Halloween have forever earned her the title of “scream queen.”
She has admitted that her addiction was so bad that she stole pain meds from her sister, and has spoke about her struggles with low self-esteem, attempts to “fix” herself through plastic surgery and how that led her to an addiction that spiraled out of control.
Today, she continues her path of sobriety and also self-acceptance, and has become an inspiration for both women and men in recovery.
Demi Lovato
This actress, singer and songwriter has over three years sober and is outspoken about her recovery not just from substances but also mental illness. She states in this interview what most of us know, which is that mental illness doesn’t get talked about enough. Young women like Demi Lovato are a huge inspiration because mental illness and addiction often go hand in hand and there can be so much shame around both of them. Her openness about the topic will no doubt give young girls and women the courage to speak out and have hope.
Jane Lynch
Jane Lynch has an impressive resume but may be best known for her role in the hit series Glee, which has gained somewhat of a cult following over the years.
This star is also open about her recovery and has been sober for over ten years. She has stated that her bottom wasn’t too bad and has joked during shares that had she known she would be telling her story so many times she would have made it better.
The takeaway here is that you don’t have to wait for a soul-crushing bottom to get help!
Lana Del Rey
This young singer, songwriter and model is an example of someone who was able to overcome addiction early in life and embrace recovery. Lana del Rey has been clean and sober since being sent to rehab at the age of 14, proving that you can not only get clean and sober at a young age, but you can stay clean and sober through your “party” years — even in Hollywood!
Nicole Richie
Nicole Richie entered rehab in 2003 after an arrest for heroin possession. She has embraced clean and sober life and seems to have thrived ever since.
This is by no means a complete list of women celebrities in recovery, but it is an example of five women who have been outspoken about recovery and how it has helped them.
Getting Help For Addiction
If you are a woman who is struggling with addiction, Wayside House can help you. Our program is for women and created by women, to address their unique needs in recovery. Our program is low-cost yet offers comprehensive holistic treatments often found in far more expensive rehabs. If you would like to learn more, call 800-655-0817 today.
