Celebrities getting sober is a fantastic way to show hope in recovery. Knowing that they can get sober while being in the spotlight and their ritzy lifestyles comes with the misconception they do not need to get sober because they already live the life everybody else wants to have.
With Elton John, 1990 proved to be the year where he decided that he was in enough pain to change because sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll were not providing the same results as before. He needed a way out. His solution was actively participating in addiction recovery, which saved his career as a singer-songwriter and saved his life.
Elton John explained his addiction in his interview with The Guardian last year when he promoted his biopic, Rocketman, stating that, “In a way, it’s a miracle I didn’t go off the rails before I did. It took three or four years – and my discovery of cocaine – before things started getting out of hand, maybe because I was working so hard that I didn’t have too much time to think about it. I was always on tour or making a new album. Of course, when I did go off the rails, that happened like a missile as well.”
Thankfully, on July 29, 1990, Elton John decided to get sober and used a 12-Step program to help guide him through. He released his autobiography, Me, back in October 2019 to inspire anyone struggling with addiction to get sober and to fulfill their dreams. When being interviewed by GQ while endorsing his book, Elton John stated, “When I got sober, Alcoholics Anonymous gave me a set of rules on how to live my life.
I always say people should read the AA’s Big Book, because it’s a guide to life, not just to staying sober. It has so many useful things in there. I could never have written this book unless I’d gone through what I’ve done with AA and becoming sober.”
Now that he has stayed sober for over 30 years, he posted a message of hope on his Twitter feed pictured alongside his 30-year token and 30-year cake. His tweet proclaimed, “If I hadn’t finally taken the big step of asking for help 30 years ago, I’d be dead. Thank-you from the bottom of my heart to all the people who have inspired and supported me along the way.”
Way to go, Sir Elton John! Thank you for being a shining example of sobriety while being in the limelight of recovery. Cheers to another 30!
We love cheering everyone on in their addiction recovery. If you or someone you know are struggling to end your relationship with drugs and alcohol, Valiant Living can give you a way out of your addiction. Through evidence-based therapy options and the endless adventure of Colorado, Valiant Living fosters connection, encouraging clients to connect to themselves, their peers, their families, and their higher power. With the power of recovery, clients experience life-changing healing and are restored to full health. Call us today to get started personalizing your recovery program at (303) 536-5463.
