Drew Barrymore on Her Substance Use and Mental Health Challenges

From an early age, Drew Barrymore found herself in the spotlight. By just 11 months, she starred in a puppy food commercial. This early fame led her into a life filled with both opportunities and challenges, particularly mental health and substance use issues known as co-occurring disorders.

In her book *Wildflower*, Barrymore, 50, wrote, "I was a child lost in a world of adult vices, trying to find my way back to innocence." She described addiction as an escape that ultimately became a prison for her. Her role as Gertie in the film *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* at age 7 brought her immense love from audiences. However, while she enjoyed stability on set with director Steven Spielberg, who later became her godfather, her personal life was tumultuous.

By age 8, Barrymore frequented Studio 54, a nightclub notorious for substance use. She had her first drink at 9, and by 12, she was using cocaine and marijuana. At 13, her mother forced her into rehab, and by 15, Barrymore emancipated herself, living independently.

Now, as a mother to two daughters, ages 10 and 12, Barrymore has been open about her journey to sobriety since at least 2019. On *The Drew Barrymore Show*, now in its sixth season on CBS, she shares her experiences with substance misuse. In a cover story for Us Weekly, she emphasized the importance of candid discussions about such challenges. "What the institution taught me was that if you sit around and discuss things, it will get better," she stated.

In various episodes, Barrymore emphasized, "Recovery is a lifelong journey, and it’s OK to ask for help." She highlighted the bravery required to seek support, especially during segments with guests discussing similar issues. "Every time we share our story, we help break the stigma," she explained.

Barrymore believes that acknowledging her past is crucial for healing. She reflected, "I am not defined by my struggles, but I carry the lessons with me."

Barrymore revealed that understanding the reasons she turned to alcohol was vital to her sobriety. "I was focused on the substances," she shared, "but what hit me in my early forties was that I needed to focus on the behavior." This was a significant revelation for her. She expressed that her behaviors, such as wanting to escape pain and seek the fleeting highs from alcohol, masked the chemical damage it caused her.

Ultimately, she stopped drinking because it hindered her ability to pursue her goals, like her talk show. However, she soon recognized that her mental health also needed continued attention. Barrymore noted, "When I cut out just simply alcohol, I still had so much work to do."

Addressing substance misuse requires understanding co-occurring disorders. Barrymore summarized this concept: "I think it is all inextricably linked."

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