Tag: Celebrities and Alcohol Addiction

In 2015, over 15 million American adults had a problem with alcohol, including many celebrities.

This number is not a surprise, as alcohol is the most abused substance in the United States.

Alcohol is everywhere in the United States, which makes it incredibly easy to be abused.

Because many people deal with addiction in the United States, the fact celebrities and alcohol addiction is so common is no surprise.

Celebrities and Alcohol Addiction: Ben Affleck

One of the celebrities ruined by alcohol, also known as an alcoholic star, attended rehab two times before fully entering alcohol treatment.

He ended up going to a 40-day program and then went on to an outpatient rehab later.

Outpatient rehab is where you go to rehab to attend your sessions and return home at night.

You then return to your home to sleep at the end of the day.

 

Celebrities and Alcohol Addiction: Daniel Radcliffe

Another celebrity ruined by alcohol said that he turned to alcohol to deal with his stress. After making Harry Potter films, he became one of the celebrities who suffer from alcoholism. He was getting so much negative press that it was difficult to handle as a young person. He credited his recovery from alcoholism to having good friends that helped him.

Celebrities and Alcohol Addiction: Kat Von D

Tattoo artist Kat Von D was almost one of the celebrities ruined by alcohol, but she saved herself. She has been sober since 2007. Kat Von D stated that she “hopes that someone out there in need of a way out from addiction might see this and realize that you’re not alone.” She was able to get sober through treatment.

Celebrities and Alcohol Addiction: Michael Phelps

Although he has 18 gold medals, Michael Phelps almost became one of the celebrities ruined by alcohol. Michael Phelps chose to go to six-week inpatient rehab. Inpatient is the type of rehab where you sleep at the facility and stay 24/7. He decided he had an addiction because he had been drinking and driving. He is also someone who has a co-occurring mental disorder.

 

Why Are Celebrities and Alcohol Addiction so Common?

Many studies show that the different personality traits found in celebrities equate to the possibility of alcohol abuse. These traits include:

• Being a risk-taker
• Having a strong drive for success
• Obsessive
• Dedicated
• Novelty-seeking

Additionally, many celebrities have a strong work ethic and a high drive for success. These qualities are typically also seen in individuals who have a substance abuse disorder. A substance abuse disorder affects the reward and pleasure center in the brain. When celebrities mix societal pressures and unhealthy relationships, it can lead to addiction.

Which Celebrities Are Struggling with Alcoholism?

Celebrities struggling with alcoholism might include actors, athletes, politicians, musicians, inventors, or even CEOs. If celebrities with alcohol addiction are in the public spotlight, the public criticize them for everything. Criticisms might focus on their appearance, weight, dress, opinions, and general life operation.

Peer pressure can often influence drinking habits. Not only can this lead to alcoholism, but also to eating disorders, mental health disorders, and other substance abuse disorders. Because celebrities struggle with many things, increased wealth and exercise can activate the dopamine reward system in their brains. This system leads to a similar feeling that drugs or alcohol can give them once those feelings fade.

 

Mental Illness and How it Leads to Celebrities and Alcohol Addiction

Often celebrities have issues with alcohol because of pressure. Often because of the large amounts of pressure and public scrutiny, they can suffer from mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. These, in turn, lead to alcohol abuse for coping.

Anxiety

Anxiety is an intense, excessive, and persistent worry or fear about everyday situations. Different symptoms of anxiety can include fast heart rate, rapid breathing, sweating, and feeling tired. It can be normal to have anxiety in stressful situations such as public speaking or taking a test.

Despite this, anxiety is an indicator of underlying disease when feelings become excessive, all-consuming, and interfere with daily living. It is very common for celebrities to have anxiety and cope with that anxiety through alcohol usage.

Depression

Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by a persistently sad or down mood. It can also include a loss of interest in activities, causing significant trouble in your daily life. The reasons for depression are not entirely understood, but possible causes include biological, psychological, and social factors. Additionally, certain activities can change brain functions, including the altered activity of certain neural circuits in the brain.

Characterized by a range of behavioral and physical symptoms, depression is life-threatening and often leads to alcoholism, especially in celebrities. These symptoms typically include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. It is also associated with thoughts of suicide.

Dual Diagnosis

Although anxiety or depression can be the catalyst for alcoholism, anxiety does not need to exist before alcohol use begins. It can develop outside of addiction. It may not even be a symptom of drug use or withdrawal but can occur separately, known as dual diagnosis.

Essentially, dual diagnosis is when you have an addiction occurring with a mental health disorder. Meaning you have two co-occurring disorders, such as a substance use disorder and an anxiety disorder. This dual diagnosis requires treatment that targets both issues at once. If you leave one disorder untreated, then they will both most likely reappear in the future.

Treating a dual diagnosis is complex. Despite this, there are many different treatment options. The first step in treating a dual diagnosis is an assessment by a professional. Then you can work with your therapist or counselor to create a plan. Many different treatment methods can benefit different people. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is one method that treats individuals with a dual diagnosis.

Treatment for Celebrities  with Alcoholism

There are many different treatment options available for alcoholism. Often celebrities will go to expensive inpatient treatment facilities that are far away from the average person. Despite this, there are amazing inpatient treatment facilities for even those who are not celebrities. These treatment facilities, such as those you will find at Best Rehabs In Arizona, are great for those who truly struggle to get sober.

Alternatively, if you do not struggle with a very intense addiction, you can choose to go to an outpatient treatment program. These facilities require three visits per week, with two to three hours each visit.

Finally, there are also support groups and aftercare programs that will allow you to have support through your sobriety. Some of these programs, such as AA or alcoholics anonymous, are known for helping individuals get through their addictions.

 

Do You Have an Alcohol Addiction?

If you are worried that you or someone you love has a problem with alcohol, you may consider alcohol detox and treatment.

Contact us at Best Rehabs In Arizona for more information on our free insurance verification for treatment.

We are here to help you get healthy today.