While we’ve all had one too many cocktails or whatever it may be at that Thursday evening happy hour, many, including some of our favorite celebrities, have chosen to abstain from the act of drinking alcohol altogether. Music and drugs go hand in hand, but many of the world’s legends are stone-cold sober. Did you know that there are plenty of sober celebs out there? Our list of sober celebrities will help you answer that question and many more.
List of Sober Celebrities
In fact, the real challenge might be naming the artists who don’t get high or drink, and in doing so we’ll see a different side of Hollywood, a side that’s always been there but doesn’t get nearly as much attention. Although it can be hard to imagine a glamorous Hollywood party scene without sipping on glasses of champagne, the following are a few stars that can still party while enjoying a sober life. In fact, sober celebs are more common than you think, so we’ve put together a list of the most popular sober celebrities.
The Most Notable Sober Celebs
- Russell Brand: Has been clean and sober since December 13th of 2002. He is a patron of the Focus 12 drug treatment program after his own use of the service. Brand’s sobriety was instigated by his agent, John Noel after Brand was apprehended using heroin in a bathroom during a Christmas party. Arguably his biggest triumph has been recovering from the crippling addiction that threatened both his life and his career before it had even started.
- Jada Pinkett Smith: Today, Pinkett is a 47-year-old multi-million-dollar actress, well-known for her ability to tackle challenges head-on with grace and confidence. She has kept no secrets about her past nor from getting sober and overcoming alcoholism or the fact that she grew up in poverty surrounded by drug addiction. She has been sober and clean for 22 years and she is living proof of the success possible for everyone struggling with addiction.
- Demi Lovato: On July 24, 2018, Lovato was hospitalized just a month after the singer admitted in her single “Sober,” that she relapsed following six years of sobriety. Lovato performed at the 2020 Grammy Awards on Jan. 26 for her powerful return to the stage. After getting choked up at the start of her performance, Lovato delivered an emotional version of her new song “Anyone,” which she wrote just days before her hospitalization. She received a standing ovation from the audience. She now has 18 months sober and clean.
- Rob Lowe: He is an American actor, producer, and director. He is the recipient of two Screen Actors Guild Awards and has been nominated for six Golden Globes Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award. The actor from Parks and Recreation now celebrates 30 years clean and sober. He gave up drinking at the young age of 26. “Thank you to all those who have inspired me on this wonderful, challenging, and life-changing journey. If you, or someone you know, are struggling with alcohol or addiction, there CAN be a future of hope, health, and happiness. And it comes one day at a time.” Quote from his Instagram dated May 10, 2019.
- Charlie Sheen: The former “Two and a Half Men” actor, 53, has battled with drug and alcohol abuse, which flooded headlines and ultimately led to his termination from the show in 2011. In 2017 he announced that he is HIV positive. He now has 18 months sober and clean defeating the odds set against him.
- Robert Downey Jr: In 2008, Downey Jr. played the role of Iron Man in the first Marvel comics movie that introduced the world to what’s now known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Downey Jr. has been sober for 16 years and attributes his recovery to his wife, Susan, kung fu and continuing to work the 12-step program.
- Elton John: The “Rocket Man” singer announced he’s been sober for the last 29 years. “29 years ago, today, I was a broken man, I finally summoned up the courage to say 3 words that would change my life: ‘I need help’. Thank you to all the selfless people who have helped me on my journey through sobriety. I am eternally grateful.” He wrote in the post shared on Instagram and on Twitter.
- Eminem: The Real Slim Shady is 11 years sober. The Detroit rapper has been public about his battle with prescription drug addiction. Eminem went to rehab in 2005 to get treatment for his addiction to sleeping pills. But in 2007, he spiraled out of control again and was hospitalized for a methadone overdose. It wasn’t until 2008 that Eminem decided he wasn’t about to lose himself to drugs. He checked himself into rehab early that year and started the full 12-step program of a recovering addict. He got sober on April 20, 2008. His albums “Relapse” and “Recovery” deal with his addiction and his comeback.
