When we think of drug addiction, celebrities often don’t fall far from our mind. After all, we’ve lost many of our favourite stars to addiction, from Amy Winehouse to Robin Williams, Philip Seymour Hoffman to River Phoenix.
The latter died aged just 23 after an overdose of heroin, a toxic drug that has destroyed the lives of many, not just in Hollywood, but around the world. Even today, there are so many people needing help from a heroin rehab clinic, but many still have yet to take that step to get the help they need.
We often look to celebrities and movie stars as sources of inspiration and while there are stars that have lost their lives to addiction, there are also many that have bounced back after being hooked on heroin too, all of which can prove inspirational in getting your own life back on track.
Here are five stars that have overcome addiction to heroin, lived to tell the tale, and have enjoyed huge success following it too. So, why can’t you?
Table of Contents
Robert Downey Jr.
Prior to Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. had real troubles with drugs and in the 1990s and early 2000s he was arrested multiple times due to heroin and other substance use.
His struggles were often in the papers and on the news, and it’s fair to say a return to the screens was unlikely. However, he proved the doubters wrong, seeking help for his addiction and rebuilt his career into something bigger than ever before.
Today, he’s one of Hollywood’s highest paid actors and has starred in huge blockbusters including Iron Man, Avengers, Sherlock Holmes and Oppenheimer.
Anthony Kiedis
Anthony Kiedis’ drug issues have been well documented in his autobiography Scar Tissue, a book that has inspired many to turn their lives around. It documents the Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman’s battle with heroin and how he overcame it to help make the band bigger than ever.
Drugs blighted his early years and the early success of the band, eventually becoming sober in 2000. While you may or may not like his music, his story is remarkable and well worth reading about in more detail.
Eminem
Real name, Marshall Mathers, Eminem has struggled with both heroin and prescription opioids, even bringing him close to death. A result of long hours with little rest, he eventually headed into rehab in 2007 where he was able to rebuild his life.
He’s credited exercise and therapy as a crucial part to his recovery and has referenced his battles with drugs in his music, which can be great to listen to for anyone seeking inspiration.
Steven Tyler
As the lead singer of Aerosmith, Steven Tyler spent decades in the limelight, but behind the fame was a long battle with heroin and other substances. Tyler has described how addiction strained his relationships and nearly ended his career.
However, after seeking treatment and committing to sobriety, he regained stability and returned to performing. His recovery has allowed him to continue touring and mentoring younger musicians. Tyler’s experience highlights the fact that it is never too late to seek help and that recovery can sustain both personal wellbeing and professional success.
Eric Clapton
Finally, Eric Clapton has enjoyed a long and distinguished career, but in the 1970s it could have all ended with his addiction so severe it almost ended his career.
He underwent treatment and has even established his own rehab centre over in Antigua, which has helped hundreds of other people struggling with heroin and other forms of addiction. He used his own experiences to help others and highlights not only that it’s possible to overcome addiction, but also that you can give back and help others too.
