From the release of Pulp Fiction and Goodfellas in the 1990s toThe Mule and Beautiful Boy more recently, it’s clear that the popularity of drug movies hasn’t faltered. And while it would be nice if hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, and meth, were only in movies, unfortunately, they are a harsh part of reality for Americans today, wreaking havoc on the physical and mental health of people across the country.
No matter who you are or where you come from, no one is really immune to the pull and appeal of drugs– but this is especially true of celebrities, as they tend to have more exposure and access to illegal substances. Unlike most people, though, they have no choice but to fight addiction in the public eye.
These 4 celebrities, in particular, have had very tough, publicized battles with addiction.
- Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato, who got her start on Disney Channel when she was just 16 years old, has been very open about her battle with drug and alcohol addiction. In her 2018 documentary, Demi revealed that she first did cocaine when she was 17, and ever since, sobriety it has been a daily battle for Demi.
In June 2018, Demi released a new single called “Sober,” in which she admitted to breaking a 6-year sobriety streak that she had just announced earlier that year. But the post-relapse sobriety she has maintained since then is worth celebrating.
- Zac Efron
Highschool Musical star, Zac Efron, has struggled with addiction since he was a teenager. Back in 2013, Efron checked into rehab to seek help with his addiction to alcohol and cocaine. In a 2014 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Efron spoke up about going to rehab and his experience with addiction for the first time, calling it: “a never-ending struggle.”
Though there hasn’t been too much coverage of Efron’s battle with addiction in recent years, all signs seem to say that he’s doing well. In the few instances where he has spoken up on the matter, he typically emphasizes that exercise has helped him stay sober.
- Pete Davidson
Like Lovato, 25-year-old SNL star, Pete Davidson, has also been very open about his struggle with addiction. Davidson first checked into rehab back in 2016, admitting he was addicted to marijuana and alcohol. Then in early 2017, while in a relationship with Ariana Grande, he posted the following Instagram caption that has since been deleted: “I quit drugs and am happy and sober for the first time in 8 years. It wasn’t easy, but I got a great girl, great friends and I consider myself a lucky man.”
Since then, Davidson has started using marijuana again, saying it has helped him cope with some of his health issues such as Chron’s disease.
- John Mulaney
Comedian, John Mulaney, has been open about the fact that he used to struggle with drug and alcohol addiction. The addiction began when he was a teenager, but Mulaney has been sober for many years now.
From time to time, the former SNL writer brings up his past struggles with drugs and alcohol while doing comedy bits, but for the most part, he seems pretty set on leaving these dark days behind him. And who can blame him?