How Celebs are Changing the Way We View Recovery
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It’s difficult admitting you have an addiction and if you backslide in your recovery, known as a relapse, it’s hard to face family, friends, other loved ones and especially yourself.
Now imagine you are a celebrity and therefore always in the spotlight. This means that, even when you are not being featured in the next blockbuster movie of the summer, your personal life is always under a microscope. They say the fall from grace is even greater when the person “falling” is of high status. And, in our culture, people, in general, seem to relish in other people’s – especially celebrities’ tragedies.
Imagine the pressure and stress of always being watched. Then imagine that combined with dealing with a very serious and private condition, such as addiction. Read the online blogs, go to TMZ (or watch it on late-night TV), or watch the evening news and you will eventually see a story about a celebrity struggling with substance abuse or addiction.
“Celebrities Can’t Recover”
You’ve probably come to the conclusion that all celebrities relapse and fail at sobriety. However, the reality of the matter is quite the opposite. As for anyone overcoming an addiction, committing to lead a sober lifestyle might be easier said than done – it involves hard work and making a lot of profound changes. This can be especially difficult for celebrities.
And yet, many famous celebrities have experienced addiction and are leading successful lives of sobriety. Bradley Cooper, Elton John, Russell Brand, Matthew Perry, Drew Barrymore, Robin Williams, Jamie Lee Curtis, Nicole Richie, Martin Sheen, and Robert Downey Jr. are all current major stars with long-term career success and who have overcome their addictions and are leading clean and sober lives today.
Celebrities and Their Programs of Recovery
The above mentioned celebrities credit working a program of recovery with their ongoing sobriety. And what’s common to each account are several important factors: spirituality, Alcoholics Anonymous, spouse, children, balance, faith, and a specific career goal. What these famous people have given priority to and incorporated in their lives is being positive, being proactive, having spirituality, finding purpose and meaning, focusing on both personal and career goals and success, and having a support system. Just like the 12 Steps, they have put emphasis on self-improvement and developing their spirituality.
How Celebs are Changing the Way We View Recovery
It’s been said that celebrities are like the American version of Royalty. Whereas in places like Great Britain the Royals are the people of high status that the citizens look up to and aspire to be like, here in the States, it’s our celebrities whom we hold in this regard. This can be unfortunate as it doesn’t necessarily require meaningful accomplishment or good character to be famous (for example, Kim Kardashian shot to stardom for having a sex tape).
But, having successful sober people in the spotlight can be a new type of role model for people. Stars like the ones mentioned in this article are a new brand of celebrity that can give us hope about recovery and success. We may not all aspire to be famous but, it’s refreshing to see that famous people can struggle and recover like the rest of us.
If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-777-9588.
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