Hollywood has plenty of stories about fame and excess, but Drew Barrymore’s addiction is one of survival and strength. She grew up in the spotlight, but behind the scenes, her life was filled with chaos, neglect, and early exposure to substance abuse. By the time she was a teenager, she had already battled addiction, been to rehab, and legally separated from her parents.
Despite these struggles, she fought to reclaim her life and career. While she found success in Hollywood, her battle with alcohol continued for years. It wasn’t until much later that she made the choice to fully embrace sobriety and turn her life around.
This article dives into her journey—the tough times, the turning points, and the lessons we can all take from her story. It’s a reminder that no matter how dark things get, recovery is possible, and a new chapter is always within reach.
A Troubled Childhood in the Spotlight
Born into Hollywood royalty, Drew Barrymore seemed destined for success. Her breakout role in E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial made her a household name by age seven. But behind the scenes, her home life was anything but glamorous.
Her father, John Drew Barrymore, was an abusive alcoholic. Her mother, Ildikó Jaid Barrymore, struggled to provide stability. Reports suggest she often left Drew in the care of babysitters, creating a deep sense of abandonment. This unstable upbringing set the stage for her early struggles with addiction.
Early Exposure to Alcohol and Drugs
By 13, Drew Barrymore had already been to rehab. Her story is a powerful reminder of how early exposure to drugs and alcohol can lead to serious struggles. A recent blog on teen drinking and addiction points out that starting young makes it much harder to break free from substance abuse later.
Rehab and Legal Emancipation
By age 12, Hollywood had blacklisted her due to her drug use. Desperate for intervention, her mother sent her to rehab at 13. She spent 18 months in treatment before legally emancipating herself at 14.
Research shows a strong link between childhood trauma and addiction. Without healthy coping mechanisms, individuals often turn to substances to numb their pain. Barrymore’s lack of parental guidance made her particularly vulnerable.
Hollywood Comeback and Hidden Struggles
Despite her early struggles, Drew Barrymore made a remarkable comeback. She starred in major hits like Scream, Never Been Kissed, Charlie’s Angels, and 50 First Dates.
But beneath her success, alcohol remained a silent battle. After her 2016 divorce from Will Kopelman, she found herself spiraling once again. Her drinking led to strained friendships and even the loss of her longtime therapist, who ended their sessions due to her relapse.
Choosing Sobriety
Her choice to quit drinking was all about taking care of herself and growing as a person. A recent blog on finding the best treatment for addiction talks about how sobriety is different for everyone, but having the right support makes a big difference. At our programs, people get the care and guidance they need to stay sober and build a healthier, happier life.
Finding Strength Through Family and Career
According to the Washington State Department of Corrections, having strong family connections, learning positive parenting, and building stability can make a big difference for people working to rebuild their lives. Having a sense of purpose and support can help someone stay on track in recovery.
For Drew Barrymore, her daughters, Frankie and Olive, became her biggest motivation to stay sober. Her career also played a huge role—hosting The Drew Barrymore Show gave her stability and a sense of fulfillment. She shared that learning self-care was key to balancing motherhood and her own well-being.
Conclusion
Cameron Diaz once said, “You can’t even comprehend how hard it was to be her as a child, and then she shot out the other end with the ability to save herself.”
Today, Drew Barrymore is a testament to the fact that overcoming addiction is possible. She has reclaimed her life, proving that the past does not have to define the future.
For anyone struggling with addiction, her story serves as proof that with the right support, healing is within reach. A new chapter is always possible.
