“Rehab” has become the new buzz word around Hollywood these past few years. It seems like almost every star has gone to rehab for some kind of addiction. Of course, addiction is a very serious thing and I don’t want to minimize the importance of rehab, I just think that “going to rehab” seems like the go-to solution for a troubled celebrity’s career — whether they have a legitimate addiction or not. Lindsay Lohan was recently released from her court-ordered stint in rehab. This made me think back to all the celebrities we’ve heard of going to rehab over the years. Did the rehab help their addictions? How has their stint in rehab affected their personal lives and their careers?
Drew Barrymore
Let’s start off on a good note – with someone who has actually benefited from rehab. Drew Barrymore had quite a troubled childhood. Before the age of 13, she became addicted to drugs and alcohol and even attempted suicide. She went to rehab at the tender age of 14 to deal with her addictions, and she was able to turn her entire life around. Drew has starred in several hit films and is now the face of CoverGirl Cosmetics. Her past rehab experience hasn’t stopped her from being considered one of America’s beloved sweethearts.
Britney Spears
Britney’s career, popularity, and success was at its zenith when she suddenly seemed to go crazy. Many are attributing the start of her downfall to her 2004 marriage to dancer Kevin Federline, who presumably aided her unhealthy addiction. We all remember the day Britney shaved her entire head and was pictured trying to smash an umbrella through her car. Following this episode, Britney admitted herself to multiple treatment centers for alcoholism. While her hair has grown out (or are those extensions?) and her career is slowly getting back on track with recent hit singles like “Gimme More” and “Circus”, we’re not completely sure she’s fully recovered yet.
Charlie Sheen
This rebellious actor has a long history of drug and alcohol abuse. In February 2010, Charlie was sentenced to 30 days in a rehab center for domestic violence charges against his ex Brooke Mueller, surely linked to his addictions. Later that year, he voluntarily checked himself into rehab again, as a “preventative” measure. Again, we’re not totally convinced his bad boy days are behind him, but nonetheless, Charlie’s career is a success as he is getting nearly $2 million an episode for his starring role in the hit TV series, “Two and a Half Men.”
Kelly Osbourne
Ozzy Osbourne’s addictive past may have rubbed off on his daughter. Kelly has checked herself into several rehab facilities over the years for her addiction to painkillers. Since then, Kelly has ditched her rebellious ways and teen angst (as witnessed on MTV’s “The Osbournes”) and has blossomed into a lovely young lady. She shocked the world with her amazing dance skills on the ninth season of “Dancing with the Stars”, taking home an impressive third place trophy. We look forward to seeing what else Kelly has in store for the future.
Robin Williams
Robin Williams’ major movie star status has often overshadowed memories of his earlier addiction to cocaine and alcohol. His voluntary stint in rehab, as well as the overdose-related death of his close personal friend John Belushi, snapped him out of his bad habits. Throughout these troubles, Robin Williams’ career hasn’t seemed to skip a beat over the years. He’s made countless classic films like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Patch Adams”, making audiences everywhere laugh and cry. Lately, he focuses his energy on helping out charities. A true rehab-to-success story!
Lindsay Lohan
Of course, my brief mention of Lindsay Lohan’s rehab experience wasn’t nearly enough to explain her situation. In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past few months, here’s a recap of Lindsay’s story of addiction to drugs and alcohol. In May 2010, Lindsay was ordered to wear an alcohol-monitoring bracelet after her DUI arrest in 2007. On July 6, a judge determined that she violated her probation and sentenced her to 90 days in jail (although she was only locked up for 14 days) and then an inpatient rehab program for another 90 days. Lindsay checked out of rehab early on Tuesday evening (August 25) but has been ordered by the court to attend an outpatient care facility. While she has several movies in the works and planning to come out soon, it doesn’t seem like she’s fully cured of her addiction yet. But, we’re rooting for you, Lindsay!
Other Celebs
It’d take a pretty long time to describe every star-studded rehab story, but you can look it up if you’re curious. To prove the point that there’s an almost ridiculous amount of celebs that have attended rehab, here is a list of other celebs who have been in, or are currently in, rehab (by the way, we wish them all a speedy recovery!): Robert Downey, Jr., Tara Reid, Ben Affleck, Chris Klein, Jesse James, Eminem, Whitney Houston, Samuel L. Jackson, Joaquin Pheonis, Steven Tyler, Winona Ryder, Steven Tyler, Burt Reynolds, Eva Mendes, Heather Locklear, Kate Moss, Marc Jacobs, Nicole Richie, Mel Gibson (duh!), Mary-Kate Olson, Colin Farrell and many, many more. Some of these celeb rehab stints have become success stories, while some celebs are still struggling to revive their personal and professional lives.
