Substance use disorder, also known as addiction, is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder. It is characterized by compulsively engaging in rewarding behaviors (e.g. abusing drugs and/ or alcohol) without regard for negative consequence. Individuals that struggle with addiction are essentially compelled to prioritize satisfying drug cravings above all else. This can wreck havoc in all areas of one’s life. Influential people in society are not protected from the possibility of developing substance use disorder, simply because they are famous. It is important to note that some famous people choose to live a sober life even though they may not have an addiction or a substance abuse problem.
Risk Factors
The risk factors remain the same whether an individual is famous or not. While there is currently no single reason behind why an individual develops an addiction, research has identified several contributing factors that have been said to increase its risk of development. Medical News Today provides the following examples:
- Family history of addiction
- Genetics
- Method of delivery
- Personal health history
- Age at which a person first began to consume drugs and/ or alcohol
- Environment (e.g. growing up in/ living in an unhealthy home environment, persistent peer pressure, regular exposure to illicit substances and/ or alcohol…etc.)
- Exposure to childhood neglect, trauma, and/ or abuse
- Type of substance abused
Continuous and frequent substance use can increase one’s susceptibility to developing a tolerance and subsequently an addiction, regardless of an individual’s social status.
Famous Sober People
There are many famous people that have struggled with substance abuse and/ or addiction and have chosen to live without drugs and alcohol. Some famous people have been more vocal about their sobriety than others. US Weekly provides an expansive list of sober celebrities, which includes but is not limited to the following people:
- Lena Dunham
- Jason Biggs
- Bradley Cooper
- Kristen Johnston
- Russell Brand
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Jack Osbourne
- Margo Price
- Florence Welch
- Macklemore
- Chrissy Teigen
- Anthony Hopkins
- Ruston Kelly
- Miley Cyrus
- Zac Efron
- Blake Lively
- Elton John
- Kim Kardashian
- Lucy Hale
The above is a mere snippet of the long list of sober celebrates, which will inevitably continue to grow.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to substance abuse and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-318-3777. You are also welcome to contact anytime us via email at admissions@hhtxc.com.
