When we think about addiction, a seventeen year old girl is not always the image that comes to mind. However, addiction can happen to anyone, male or female at any time. The fastest growing group of substance abusers in the United States are—you guessed it, women. More women are battling addiction now than ever before, but more are also finding sobriety. Studies have shown that recovery tends to happen for women quicker than men.
Women are more responsive to recovery when it starts with making a personal connection. Sharing our stories gives us a sense of connection, and makes us feel that we are not alone in this battle. While recovery is hard, there are many stories of inspiring women that prove it is possible. Whether it comes from a former childhood star or another inspiring woman in our lives, hearing stories of success can help us feel that we can do this.
We all have our reasons for wanting to get sober, but these women are proof that it is possible—and that some of the most inspiring success stories are female:
- Demi Lovato
- Actress and singer Demi Lovato was just a kid when she began her battle with addiction. She began using drugs at 17, and by the time she was 18 she entered a treatment center where she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Since her diagnosis, she has been working on her recovery, and has been very open with fans about her journey. Recovery was a bumpy road for Lovato, but she is now doing well. She recently returned to her music and acting career. Lovato says that her support system of family and friends has helped her a lot during her journey. She hopes that by sharing her story through books, documentaries, and social media that she can help other women going through the same thing.
- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Actress Jamie Lee Curtis was 40 when she began her battle with addiction. Curtis grew up around addiction, but did not start using drugs until later in life. She began to abuse prescription painkillers after having plastic surgery. This continued for a while with no one knowing. Curtis also struggled with alcohol abuse during this time. She quickly found herself in a dark place, and finally got help after a friend found out about her drug use. She started going to recovery meetings and told her family that she was struggling. Curtis has said that she began to see a change when she went to meetings regularly and began to avoid certain situations and substances. Curtis also says that going to recovery meetings made her feel less alone. Curtis has now been sober for 20 years, and hopes to use her fame to teach others about addiction.
- Kat Von D
- Famous tattoo artist and business woman Kat Von D has also battled with addiction. Von D has been very open about her struggle with alcohol abuse. She made the decision to get sober when she started to think her drinking was interfering with her career. On her reality TV show L.A. Ink, Von D says that cutting out her friends who were not sober was an important step in her recovery. She battled addiction for many years, but pushed through by focusing on her career and her loved ones. She has since launched her own makeup and clothing line, written two books, opened more tattoo shops, and started her own family.
Addiction doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone from anywhere. But, recovery also doesn’t play favorites and anyone who has the will and desire to get sober can do it! With March being Women’s History Month, we wanted to bring to light a few inspiring women who have struggled with addiction and overcome it. When women support each other, incredible things happen.