And So Can You!
From Demi Lovato to Robert Downey Jr., many of the people we most admire have struggled with drug and alcohol addiction and started getting better in rehab. This goes to show that addiction is a disease that can affect anyone, and anyone can recover!
Learn more about these stars’ stories, and then start your own at Mount Sinai Wellness Center.
Demi Lovato
We’re starting with Demi Lovato because she has been so open about her battle with addiction. She wrote on her Instagram:
“I have always been transparent about my journey with addiction. What I’ve learned is that this illness is not something that disappears or fades with time. It is something I must continue to overcome…”
Lovato posted this after pursuing sobriety for over 6 years and overdosing in 2018. While she is still fighting her disease, her dedication and openness are admirable, and after spending time in rehab, she continues to have a successful career in the entertainment industry. In 2020, she received a standing ovation at The 62nd GRAMMYs® after performing an original song about addiction and recovery.
Ben Affleck
Just this year, Ben Affleck spoke to ABC’s Diane Sawyer and The New York Times about his past struggles with alcohol addiction. He summarized his illness with the following quote:
“People with compulsive behavior, and I am one, have this kind of basic discomfort all the time that they’re trying to make go away. You’re trying to make yourself feel better with eating or drinking or sex or gambling or shopping or whatever. But that ends up making your life worse. Then you do more of it to make that discomfort go away. Then the real pain starts. It becomes a vicious cycle you can’t break. That’s at least what happened to me.”
Affleck described coming home from work every day and drinking until he passed out on the couch. The Oscar-winning actor and director has a long family history with alcoholism, which encouraged him to go to rehab and get clean for the sake of his children. While staying sober is a daily battle, he seems to be doing well and recently starred in the sports drama, The Way Back (2020).
Robert Downey Jr.
For years, the star of Iron Man was infamous for his addiction and reckless behavior. He was once pulled over with heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and a gun – and he even spent time in jail. After multiple arrests, Robert Downey Jr. finally checked himself into rehab and got clean.
He described his experience to Vanity Fair:
“Job one is get out of that cave. A lot of people do get out but don’t change. So the thing is to get out and recognize the significance of that aggressive denial of your fate, come through the crucible forged into a stronger metal. Or whatever. But I don’t even know if that was my experience. It’s funny: five years ago, I would’ve made it sound like I’m conscious of my own participation in seizing the similarities. But so many things have become less certain. I swear to God. I am not my story.”
What Downey says is true. You are not your addiction, and just like the Iron Man actor, you can overcome addiction and have a meaningful life.
Start Your Journey Today
We hope hearing these stories has inspired you. If you’re ready to get clean, our team at Mount Sinai can help you start your journey today.
With our proven treatment programs, we will be with you every step of the way. Not only will we help you detox and recover physically, but we will also focus on your holistic wellbeing and give you the tools you need to stay sober, even when you face difficult situations in the future.
You have the power to change your life. All you need to do is call us at (800) 353-4673 today or send us a message online.
We look forward to walking by your side on your path to healing.
