"Dear Alcohol”: Celebrities Are Speaking Out

Lights! Camera! Alcohol? Not anymore. A-listers are declaring, "Dear alcohol, we need to break up."

So, what's the deal with celebrities hopping on the sobriety train? For starters, many celebrities who quit drinking have experienced firsthand the havoc that alcohol can wreak on our personal and professional life. Now, they're showing us it's possible to take a stand and change the narrative. They're putting their foot down and saying, "Dear alcohol, we're not a match."

A Letter That Turned Heads

At the heart of the conversation is a moving spoken word poem: "Dear Alcohol" by artist and entertainer Dax. The poem, released in 2022, is an unflinching account of the impact of alcohol on his life, mind, and relationships. It's a raw, compelling piece of writing that emphasizes and illustrates the struggle with alcohol.

The response to this heart-rending poem was astonishing. Celebrities and fans alike applauded Dax's courage and honesty. The poem has triggered a powerful dialogue about the societal norms around alcohol and the damage it can cause.

This hard-hitting lyrical masterpiece does more than just rhyme. It's an open letter that questions the toxic relationship with alcohol many of us often overlook. Lines like "Dear Alcohol, I need some answers. Are you disease or are you cancer?" expose the harsh reality of alcohol dependency.

Celebrity Echoes

But here's where it gets interesting. The poem didn't just strike a chord with fans around the globe — it was also echoed within celebrity circles. While many stars have already been vocal about their experience with alcohol, in the year since the poem came out, the response has gained even more momentum as more and more voices continue to jump into the conversation.

Ed Sheeran

Earlier this year, British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran shared how he, too, had to confront his relationship with alcohol and make some tough choices.

For the self-proclaimed “party boy,” things came into focus after the conversation he had with his pregnant wife, Cherry: “Two months before Lyra was born, Cherry said, 'If my waters break, do you really want someone else to drive me to the hospital?' Because I was just drinking a lot … And that's when it clicked. I was like, 'No, actually, I really don't.' And I don't ever want to be pissed holding my kid. Ever, ever."

Sheeran explains how his sobriety ultimately led to a huge creative breakthrough. According to him, putting together his latest album — Subtract — felt like "opening the trapdoor into my soul." As he told People, "For the first time I'm not trying to craft an album people will like, I'm merely putting something out that's honest and true to where I am in my adult life.”

Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe

The age-defying Parks and Recreation star hasn't let a drop of alcohol pass his lips in over 30 years and has openly spoken about his past struggles and the rewarding path of recovery. His mantra? Sobriety equals freedom.

He described his moment of realization in a characteristically humorous way to Variety: “It was like a badly written moment in a soap opera — complete with the walk into the bathroom and looking at myself in the mirror.” Lowe remembered the business card of a drug and alcohol counselor he had kept: “I couldn’t keep a pair of sunglasses for more than two weeks, but I kept this card for a year in my wallet.”

In 2023, Lowe talked about his sobriety story in a new context — he now shares it with his son, John Owen Lowe. Before giving John his five-year sobriety chip on the Drew Barrymore Show in April 2023, he said: “I’m in recovery, I’ve got 33 years [and] it’s changed our lives.”

Liam Payne

As a part of the globally adored boy band, One Direction, Liam tasted superstardom at a tender age. But the flip side of the coin? A struggle with the pressures and pitfalls of fame, including a tumultuous relationship with alcohol.

Payne has been refreshingly open about the toll his time in One Direction took on him. The constant touring and whirlwind lifestyle led him to rely heavily on alcohol.

In several interviews, he admitted to sometimes drinking before shows just to get through them.

However, the story didn't end there. Recognizing the negative impacts alcohol was having on his life and career, Payne decided to take control. Sober for 100 days in May 2023, he told iFL TV that he’s feeling great: “I feel really, really good, and support from the fans and everything has been really, really good. So, I'm super happy."

Lucy Hale

Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale’s rise to fame brought along the usual entourage of glitzy parties and glamorous social events, where alcohol often plays a significant role. But this starlet decided early on that the Hollywood party scene wasn't for her. In fact, Hale has often spoken about her choice to abstain from alcohol.

Recently, she’s been making waves not just with her acting chops and melodious voice, but also with her life choices. In an Instagram post this Valentine’s Day, she wrote, “Bear with me, this is an alternative Valentine’s Day post. This is a post about self-love and about the greatest thing I’ve ever done. On January 2, 2023, I celebrated one year of sobriety … While this journey has mostly been private, I felt compelled tonight to let anyone who is struggling know that you are not alone and you are loved."

Millie Mackintosh

Made in Chelsea British reality TV queen Millie Mackintosh traded champagne-filled nights for a life of balance and wellness. A self-proclaimed lover of a good party, Mackintosh found herself in the whirlwind world of reality TV, where social events and drinking often come with the territory. However, after realizing the toll excessive drinking was taking on her health and happiness, she decided it was time for a change.

Now, Mackintosh is an advocate for balance and well-being. She hasn't given up alcohol entirely, but she’s cut down significantly, emphasizing the importance of enjoying a drink mindfully.

Speaking about her decision to quit alcohol in late 2022, she writes: "I didn’t want to admit it but [alcohol] is a huge trigger for my anxiety. It has an instant negative effect on my mental health and right now I’m focused on ... finding happiness in my life and not trying to escape from it. It’s been 12 weeks and I’m enjoying sober life, not missing the ‘han[g]xiety’, feeling more energized, my skin is looking great and I’m sleeping much better.”

Tom Felton

In his 2022 memoir, Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard, the actor renowned for his role as Draco Malfoy disclosed his historical struggle with addiction. He describes his casual attitude towards drinking on the job: “It came to the point where I would think nothing of having a drink while I was working.” After an intervention was arranged by his team and then-girlfriend, Felton ended up in rehab three times. While he didn’t get sober on his first (or second) try, the third rehab stint stuck: Felton talks about the decision being one of the hardest he had ever made, but is grateful he can now inspire others.

Macklemore

Finally, rapper Macklemore has been vocal about his struggles. In a July 2022 TikTok clip, he talks about his relapse during the first summer of Covid as one of his recent songs — CHANT — plays in the background: "20k deep, better pull out your phones / Turnin’ the arena to believers every time I hit the ceiling / Ain’t nobody ever touchin’ my show / Look at where we started, look at where we got to / Almost OD’d that night in the hospital," he rapped. "Wasn’t gonna die, more life in the arsenal / Got another shot to pull off the impossible.”

Use Your Voice

These celebrities who quit drinking are more than just stars on the screen — they're role models who are making a real impact by embracing and promoting sobriety. Their stories add weight to the trend of choosing health and wellness over societal pressure.

The message is clear and strong: "Dear Alcohol, it's time we part ways." If Hollywood's stars can do it, shining brightly in their sobriety, so can you! So, the next time you're lounging on your couch, scrolling through Instagram, and come across a picture of a glamorous celebrity holding sparkling water instead of champagne, remember this: sobriety is the new black.

Dear Alcohol, you may be a cultural icon, but it's time for us to see other people. Here's to a healthier, happier future!