Stars Under the Spotlight: Navigating Alcohol and the Journey to Sobriety

Stars Grapple with the Fine Line Between Moderation and Sobriety in Their Alcohol Journeys

Celebrities often shine a light on the complex relationship with alcohol and sobriety, shedding light on the non-linear nature of this journey. Renowned actors like Brad Pitt have spoken openly about their struggles and triumphs regarding alcohol consumption. Pitt, for instance, revealed in a 2026 interview with Esquire that he had returned to drinking after a significant period of sobriety, stating, “I was sober for seven years. And then I got back off the wagon... In a more restrained manner.” He emphasized wanting to maintain a professional demeanor in his drinking habits and acknowledged that the key was moderation. Pitt’s fluctuating relationship with alcohol reflects a broader sentiment where many in the public eye find themselves navigating the thin line between enjoyment and excess.

Yet, the realities of alcohol consumption and its effects on health can't be overlooked. Carina Ferreira-Borges, a regional advisor for the World Health Organization, underscores that no amount of alcohol is deemed “safe.” She points out, “The risk to the drinker’s health starts from the first drop,” reinforcing that moderation does not equate to safety. Similarly, research from Dr. Keith Humphreys suggests that even small amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of certain cancers, especially among women. With such sobering statistics, it’s crucial to understand the experiences of celebrities who have grappled with these challenges and often publicly discuss their struggles.

Chrissy Teigen is another star who candidly addressed her relationship with alcohol. Teigen initially recognized her overindulgence and decided to abstain during a month-long wellness retreat in Bali. In May 2025, she mentioned reintroducing alcohol into her life through an Instagram post, expressing mixed feelings about her decision. Despite enjoying her time sober, she admitted the difficulty of limiting herself to a single drink during social occasions. By January 2026, she had chosen to quit drinking once more, emphasizing her awareness of how sobriety improved her life. Teigen’s honesty about her struggles adds depth to the narrative of moderation versus total abstinence.

Model Bella Hadid’s experience mirrors those of Pitt and Teigen, with a consistent theme of self-awareness surrounding alcohol consumption. She decided to stop drinking in mid-2021 after realizing it fueled her late-night anxieties and drained her energy. Doctors further encouraged her sobriety by illustrating the impacts of alcohol on mental health. Yet, by August 2022, Hadid mentioned she had reintroduced alcohol into her life “in moderation,” choosing champagne over harder spirits to maintain control. Even later, in January 2023, Hadid revealed an important shift in perspective: realizing that she no longer desired alcohol for its own sake. This understanding led her to achieve nearly ten months of complete sobriety by July 2023, illustrating her journey’s ups and downs and commitment to self-improvement.

Reality star Lindsay Hubbard also highlighted how her relationship affected her choices regarding alcohol. Supporting her then-partner during his sobriety journey, Hubbard stopped drinking for five months. Once she eased back into alcohol consumption, she aimed to balance enjoyment with mindfulness. Initially, the decision stemmed from a commitment to her partner, showcasing how relational dynamics can influence individual choices about drinking. However, she later felt reassured by her own growth during her sober period, understanding how to navigate social settings without compromising her well-being.

Lastly, pop star Miley Cyrus has shared her struggles with alcohol in a refreshingly candid manner. In late 2020, she disclosed that the impulsive behavior that alcohol supported could damage relationships and hinder her personal growth. After briefly returning to drinking during the pandemic, Cyrus quickly realized that it conflicted with her desire to be the best version of herself. This insight led to reflections that birthed her hit single “Flowers,” signifying personal growth through challenges. Her approach, encapsulated in the phrase, “Don’t get furious, get curious,” speaks volumes about the narrative of self-discovery many celebrities face when grappling with their choices.

In sum, the journeys of celebrities like Brad Pitt, Chrissy Teigen, Bella Hadid, Lindsay Hubbard, and Miley Cyrus reveal a wide spectrum of experiences with alcohol. Their narratives illustrate the ongoing struggle between moderation and abstinence, reflecting the complexities of life under public scrutiny. Each celebrity has carved out their path to understanding what alcohol means for their mental and physical health, often leading to periods of reflection and recalibration. Their stories challenge the notion of what sobriety means in the glamorous, and often overwhelming, world of fame. Through their openness, they contribute to a broader conversation about alcohol, inviting fans to reflect on their own relationships with drinking, while emphasizing the importance of support and self-awareness.