For decades, Drew Barrymore has lived in the public eye, from her multiple hit films and now her talk show and magazine. But in recent years, her most powerful story has unfolded quietly: her journey to sobriety.
In a personal essay, she described giving up alcohol as one of the most liberating things in her journey of life, and that it allowed her to “finally become free of the torture of guilt and dysfunction.” She also shared with CBS Mornings that drinking was something she realized “just did not serve me and my life.”
In this article, we’ll explore what Drew’s story reveals about alcohol use disorder (AUD), “gray-area” drinking, and how anyone can begin building their own recovery plan, one honest step at a time.
Understanding the Spectrum of Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol use disorder exists on a spectrum, from mild dependence to chronic addiction. Many people fall into what’s sometimes called gray-area drinking, where the effects of alcohol aren’t obviously destructive yet still erode well-being.
Common signs of gray-area drinking include:
- Inconsistent drinking habits, with occasional episodes of heavy drinking
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or discomfort after drinking
- Attempts to control effects (e.g., avoiding hangovers, “sobering up fast”)
- Strained relationships or reduced productivity
- Growing self-awareness about unhealthy patterns or loss of control
Recognizing early patterns is key. As Barrymore wrote, “One of the bravest things you can do…is slay those dragons and finally change an awful cycle in which you’ve found yourself stuck.” For her, it was to stop drinking.
Building a Personal Recovery Plan
There’s no one “right” way to sobriety. What fits Drew may not fit someone else. But her journey provides useful guideposts for anyone exploring recovery.
Your personal recovery plan might include:
- Professional support: Look into alcohol addiction treatment programs or counseling.
- Peer support: Join groups like SMART Recovery, AA, or online sober communities.
- Therapeutic tools: Use journaling, mindfulness, or cognitive-behavioral techniques to explore triggers and coping.
- Healthy routines: Build habits around exercise, nutrition, gratitude, and restful sleep.
At Sunrise Recovery, our team helps create personalized recovery plans so sobriety feels empowering, not restrictive.
The Benefits of Sobriety
Barrymore frames her sobriety as a journey back to herself, not merely a way to leave her past behind. Reflecting this perspective, the December edition of Drew, dubbed “The Big Warm Hug Issue,” opens with her urging readers to prioritize themselves.
Benefits of living sober include:
- Improved mood, better focus, and mental clarity
- Better sleep and physical health
- Stronger relationships and more authentic connections
- Freedom from guilt, self-judgment, and dependence
- A stronger sense of purpose and self-trust
Each day without alcohol builds a stronger foundation for long-term recovery and relapse prevention.
When to Consider Professional Care
If you find yourself repeatedly using alcohol to cope, hiding your use, or suffering emotional or physical consequences, it’s time to consider professional care. Detoxification, medically supervised treatment, and aftercare programs can make a major difference, especially when support is tailored to your life.
Whether you’re leaning more toward voluntary change or need structured care, early intervention increases chances of successful, sustained recovery.
Ready to Begin Your Own Recovery Journey?
Recovery begins with one step. Whether you’re exploring sober living, seeking relapse prevention resources, or simply need someone who understands, Sunrise Recovery is here for you.
Contact us today to learn more about treatment options, verify insurance, or begin your journey in Clarksville, Jeffersonville, or Lafayette, Indiana.
FAQs on Alcohol Use and Recovery
It refers to drinking habits that fall between social drinking and addiction, where you don’t meet full AUD criteria, but you struggle to control or stop alcohol use.
Frequent cravings, hiding or minimizing your drinking, feeling anxious without alcohol, or repeatedly failing to reduce use are potential early signs.
Start by acknowledging your patterns, seeking professional or peer support, setting realistic goals, and developing healthy habits.
If your drinking is impacting your health, relationships, or sense of self, it may be time to seek professional help.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, please contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
