Community is Key to Recovery: 5 Celebrities Share How They've Navigated Sobriety

By Joy Sutton, Host of Addiction Talk, an American Addiction Centers online talk show

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that we all need a network of support. With Covid-19 lockdowns that kept us safe, but isolated, so many people have suffered from acute loneliness and depression.

Feeling a sense of belonging—like you’re part of a community—is essential for all of us, but especially for those battling a substance use disorder (SUD). During treatment and recovery, having a community of support around you is essential for success. Having a strong network of people in your corner not only provides accountability, but also inspiration, motivation and hope.

That’s true for everyone—including celebrities who seem to have all the resources and access to the best treatment programs available. Without that community, even the wealthiest and most adored celebs wouldn’t be where they are today.

In the last year, a number of high-profile individuals have come forward and shared their recovery story with Addiction Talk, the online talk show hosted by American Addiction Centers. So many have acknowledged the crucial role that support from their family, friends and fans has played in helping them get—and stay—sober.

Chef Chris Scott, finalist on the show “Top Chef,” says it was finally winning the trust and support of those he loved that made all the difference in his sobriety.

“I remember for the first couple of years of my sobriety, people just thought I was [lying to] them because they saw me go sober for six months or they saw me stop drinking for a week or two… [they assumed] ‘OK, he's going to drink again.’” It took almost two years for the people close to me to truly believe that I was doing something right. Now it's those people who are in my corner and my strongest support. My wife, my children, my pastors—all of those people that really hold me up and hold me true and hold me totally 100% accountable.”

Actor Shaun Weiss, who gained notoriety playing goalie Greg Goldberg in “The Mighty Ducks,” says it was knowing he had the support of his fans that gave him hope and motivation.

“I was in a jail cell and the deputy came up and he said, ‘Hey man, your fans are really rooting for you.’ And I'm like, ‘Me? What are you talking about?’ I didn't know what was going on… I was dope sick sitting in a cell… and that was the little flicker of light for me. Knowing that there are people out there that care about you. And I eventually felt an obligation to get better for them. I didn't want to disappoint these people because they were invested in my recovery.”

Rockstar guitarist Wes Geer, founding member of the band Hed PE, says that, even after treatment, having that sense of belonging through a network of support is essential—no matter where life takes you.

“[When I was touring with my band] I went to AA meetings in India and Japan and Hong Kong and Germany and Paris and England – you name it. And that's what's cool – especially for people who wish they belonged… why would you do this alone? You have a built-in network… that will support you no matter what. So, I'd go to a meeting… and that's how I stayed connected. Was I scared? No, because I had a solution… I knew what to do. I knew to go out on the road and don't try to pretend you're normal. I'm an alcoholic, [and I have to] keep working on my program.”

Christy Carlson Romano, former star of the Disney’s “Even Stevens,” “Kim Possible” and “Cadet Kelly,” says the internet and social media have provided an essential resource for helping her stay connected to support.

“The cool thing about us all connecting on #soberTikTok [is that] there's a lot of content being made for people. There are apps like JoinMonument… where you can even find all sorts of third-party, from-home kind of care. It's fantastic that we can all come together.”

Olympic gold-medal diver Greg Louganis says it’s so important for those living in recovery to know they’re not alone.

“When I was getting sober the first time, it was just me and my therapist. And once I found the rooms of AA, then I had this other support. And that was really wonderful and something that I really needed because you're not alone. And there’s so many of us out there, you know? In addiction, we make [emotions] into monsters. If we just open up and share, then we take the power out of that fear… you’ll find that you’ll have so much more support when you open up.”

Addiction is a disease that does not discriminate. No amount of fame or success can shield you from developing a SUD. These stories prove that no matter who you are—how famous or adored by fans—addiction can be tough to battle, but it’s entirely possible with a community of support behind you