Recovery information is everywhere. Social media posts promise instant cures for addiction. Influencers promote supplements that supposedly eliminate cravings. Videos claim that one treatment works for everyone, while other posts insist medications for opioid use disorder are simply “replacing one drug with another.” Some recovery information is helpful. Some is incomplete, exaggerated, commercially motivated, or … Read more
Charlie Sheen was once one of Hollywood’s highest-profile actors, known for movies such as Platoon and Wall Street and television successes including Spin City and Two and a Half Men. Behind the fame, however, Sheen experienced a long and highly publicized struggle involving alcohol, cocaine, and other drug use, repeated treatment, damaged relationships, professional consequences, … Read more
Lindsay Lohan became internationally famous at a remarkably young age. Movies such as The Parent Trap, Freaky Friday, and Mean Girls transformed her from a child actor into one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young stars. But behind her professional success, Lohan experienced years marked by substance misuse, legal problems, rehabilitation programs, intense media scrutiny, and … Read more
Stephen King is known worldwide for novels such as Carrie, The Shining, Cujo, and It, but behind his extraordinary literary success was a serious struggle with alcohol and drugs. His experience demonstrates an important reality about substance use disorders: professional success does not protect someone from addiction. King has spoken publicly about heavy drinking, cocaine … Read more
Paula Abdul became internationally known as a singer, dancer, choreographer, and television personality. Behind her energetic performances, however, she has publicly discussed years of injuries, surgeries, chronic pain, and sleep difficulties. Her experience offers an opportunity to discuss an important issue in addiction medicine: the complicated relationship between chronic pain, prescription medications, physical dependence, and … Read more
Cravings can feel powerful, especially when someone is hungry, tired, stressed, or adjusting to new routines during recovery. One simple strategy that may help some people start the day with greater stability is eating a breakfast that contains adequate protein. Protein is not a cure for addiction, and breakfast cannot eliminate substance cravings. However, a … Read more
Recovery from substance use disorder involves more than stopping alcohol or drugs. Physical health, mental health, relationships, medications, reproductive health, and access to healthcare can all influence a person’s recovery journey. For people who can become pregnant, birth control may be an important part of that larger picture. Birth control does not generally cause or … Read more
Sir Anthony Hopkins is known worldwide for his extraordinary acting career, but one of the most significant stories of his life unfolded off-screen. Hopkins has spoken openly about his past struggle with alcoholism and the decision that led him toward lasting sobriety. His experience demonstrates how recognizing a problem, asking for help, accepting support, and … Read more
Jada Pinkett Smith has spoken publicly about periods in her younger life when alcohol, drugs, and other compulsive behaviors became problematic. Her story provides an opportunity to discuss how addiction does not always look the same from one person to another. Someone can maintain a career, relationships, and public success while privately recognizing that certain … Read more
Celebrity life is often associated with wealth, success, glamorous events, and seemingly unlimited opportunities. Yet behind the carefully managed public image, celebrities can experience the same substance use disorders, mental health challenges, trauma, grief, relationship problems, and emotional distress as anyone else. In some cases, the pressures surrounding fame can create additional barriers to recognizing … Read more