Tom Holland, Ben Affleck and 5 Other Celebrities Whose Alcohol Addiction Nearly Ruined Their Lives

Alcoholism creeps in unnoticed and takes over lives before people realize it. It can target anyone, regardless of their social status, and becomes a destroyer of careers, relationships, and health. Even the biggest names in the entertainment industry are not immune to alcoholism.

The drinking problem has been a menace to many celebrities. Their experiences of the difficulties and recovery show how money and fame can’t help much when someone is badly addicted to such substances. Let’s take a look at some popular celebrities who have fought alcoholism.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper described in detail his experience of the struggle with alcoholism. In an earlier interview with ABC News, Cooper came clean about how alcohol was consuming all aspects of his life. He said,

I wouldn’t have been able to have access to myself or other people, or even been able to take in other people, if I hadn’t changed my life.

Alcoholism was not just affecting Cooper’s health. He mentioned how it was affecting his relationships and what he was capable of doing for people close to him. Although his drinking spiraled out of control, reaching the point of being an alcoholic, Cooper has maintained his sobriety for years now.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr.’s addiction problem is perhaps among the biggest documented in Hollywood. Almost being unemployable because of his drinking and drug issues, Downey fell as low as it could go in 1996 when he was arrested for possession of heroin and cocaine.

Just like his addiction troubles are well known, his comeback to sobriety is also well-regarded. He is now one of the highest-paid actors in the movie business, having been free of alcoholism for years.

In an interview with GQ, Downey revealed that he was able to conquer his addiction problems with the help of a 12-step program, yoga, meditation, and therapy.

Zac Efron

Zac Efron achieved fame at quite an early age, and it is well-known how this often leads to unhealthy habits. During the shooting of Neighbors, the actor went through rehab for the second time in a year. Efron told The Hollywood Reporter,

I was drinking a lot, way too much. It’s never one specific thing. I mean, you’re in your 20s, single, going through life in Hollywood, you know? Everything is thrown at you.

Efron’s treatment included therapy and participation in Alcoholics Anonymous. He calls his sobriety a “never-ending struggle,” reminding us that recovery is a continuous process, not a destination.

Daniel Radcliffe

Another example of young and instant success is Daniel Radcliffe, who began drinking alcohol to cope with his fame. In his appearance on theoffcamershow, he confesses to secluding himself from society just to escape social scrutiny. He said,

It took a few years and it took a couple of attempts. Ultimately, it was my own decision.. I woke up one morning after a night going, ‘This is probably not good.’

Radcliffe said that quitting alcohol made him much happier because of the absence of “chaos” he invited in his life. He has also admitted that his friends were instrumental in ensuring a better lifestyle for him.

Billy Joel

Singer-songwriter Billy Joel has openly discussed his alcohol dependence. At one point, alcohol interfered with his job and interpersonal relationships. Even fellow musician Elton John had to encourage Joel to go for treatment.

According to The New York Times, Joel used to abuse alcohol to deal with difficult situations like his divorce. His experience shows how countless people try to seek solace in alcohol and how it takes control and destroys lives in return.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck also shares his journey to sobriety. The actor has not been shy about his alcoholism problems in the past, despite going through rehab several times. Affleck’s story shows how the journey through recovery is not smooth.

In December 2017, Affleck revealed on Meta that he had overcome his alcoholism and thanked his family for help. As per E! News, the actor again got intervened by his ex-wife Jennifer Garner to take him back to rehab in 2018. Affleck is still committed to his recovery, even though he has had hurdles, including a relapse in 2019.

Tom Holland

Tom Holland has recently come forward to share that he had issues with alcoholism. In an interview on Jay Shetty Podcast, Holland revealed how a “very, very boozy” Christmas led him to try dry January, and how it inspired him to continue his sobriety.

Holland admitted, “I’m happy to say it – I was definitely addicted to alcohol. I’m not shying away from that at all.” After more than a year and a half without drinking, Holland says he enjoys better mental health and is in the happiest shape of his life. 

Tom Holland’s New Non-Alcoholic Beer Brand

As the Spider-Man actor knows the struggle of alcoholism, he decided to link his personal experience to entrepreneurship. Tom Holland is launching a non-alcoholic beer company called Bero. The brand promises on Instagram to offer “three brews equally familiar and completely new.” It is aimed to cater to sober curious people.

These examples show how alcoholism and addiction can target anyone and how alcohol is not a reliable support during difficult times. However, they also show how, with determination, the right social circle, and treatment, alcoholism can be defeated.