Jamie Lee Curtis: From Vicodin Addiction to Sobriety in Hollywood for More Than 20 Years
Jamie Lee Curtis’ Vicodin addiction began in the late 1980s after a routine plastic surgery that left her feeling embarrassed and ashamed. Her addiction lasted over a decade, and no one knew about it until a friend caught her taking five Vicodin pills at once in 1998. Her sister’s prescription of Vicodin was the turning point that led Curtis to write her a letter admitting to her addiction. The letter was met with love and support from her sister, who did not scold or shame her.
In 1999, Curtis read an article titled “Vicodin, My Vicodin” by Tom Chiarella, which inspired her to attend her first recovery meeting. This was the beginning of her 20-year sobriety journey. In one of her interviews, Curtis shares her journey to sobriety and how she has managed to maintain her recovery while working in Hollywood.
Curtis started taking Vicodin after a cameraman commented on her puffy eyes during the shooting of a courtroom scene. She underwent plastic surgery to remove the puffiness and was prescribed Vicodin as a painkiller even though the surgery wasn’t painful. Curtis said she never took pills while working but indulged in late afternoons or early evenings to feel the warm-bath feeling of an opiate, which she chased for a long time.
No one knew about Curtis’ addiction except the people she got the painkillers from. She was the “wildly controlled drug addict and alcoholic,” who never took drugs before 5 pm or painkillers at 10 am. Curtis said the only disease that is self-diagnosed is addiction, and it takes acknowledging and accepting the profound statement to move toward recovery.
For many people, the secret, shameful addiction is the reason why addiction is a pervasive illness in all industries, socioeconomic strata, and countries worldwide. The secret shame keeps people locked up in their addiction, but acknowledging and accepting the disease is the beginning of the journey toward recovery.
Curtis has been sobered for 20 years, and she shared how she has maintained her recovery in Hollywood, where drugs and alcohol are prevalent. She said her family has been her support system, and she has surrounded herself with people who value and respect her sobriety. Curtis also said she avoids situations that could trigger her addiction and has learned to say no.
One of the most challenging situations in Hollywood is attending events where alcohol is the main attraction. Curtis said she has learned to bring a friend who understands her sobriety or to have an exit plan. She said leaving an event early to protect her sobriety has become a natural thing.
Her sobriety is more important to her than her acting career. She said it is crucial to take care of oneself and to have a support system. She said it is essential, to be honest with oneself and to surround oneself with people who understand and respect one’s sobriety.
Curtis’ recovery journey has been inspiring, and she has used her story to help others struggling with addiction. She said it is vital to seek help and to know that recovery is possible. Curtis said her addiction is a part of her life, but it is not who she is. She said she has learned to forgive herself and accept her past mistakes.
Her story is inspiring, and she has used her platform to help others struggling with addiction. Curtis’ recovery journey is a reminder that admitting and accepting one’s addiction is the beginning of the journey toward recovery. She has surrounded herself with a support system and has learned to avoid triggers. Her story is a beacon of hope for those struggling with addiction, and her words of wisdom offer insight and inspiration.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/d8IxP7BvJsU
- https://variety.com/2019/biz/features/jamie-lee-curtis-sober-recovery-addiction-1203392102/
- https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/jamie-lee-curtis-sober-more-150000817.html
- https://people.com/health/jamie-lee-curtis-says-theres-always-hope-addiction-recovery/
- https://chat.openai.com/chat
- https://readloud.net/