Why Drew Barrymore Chooses Sobriety to Honor Her Family's Legacy

Drew Barrymore Reveals How Stopping Drinking Is Important for Her Family Legacy

Drew Barrymore Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Drew Barrymore considers getting sober as one of her biggest achievements, especially considering her family's struggles with alcohol and drug abuse.

At 49 years old, the talk show host comes from a family known for their acting talents. Her great uncle, Lionel Barrymore, even won an Academy Award and appeared in the beloved film "It's a Wonderful Life" in 1946.

Stopping drinking is a way for me to honor the Barrymore name, as we have a history of being hedonists. In an interview with People on April 10, I shared this sentiment.

Drew Barrymore's father, the late John Drew Barrymore, faced multiple arrests related to drug use, drunkenness, and spousal abuse. Her grandfather, John Barrymore, also battled alcohol abuse from a young age.

Drew Barrymore had a challenging childhood after gaining fame at a young age of seven for her role in the movie E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial directed by Steven Spielberg.

At the age of 13, she was sent to rehab and stayed in an institution for 18 months. It wasn't until 2019, after filming the pilot for her talk show, that she decided to stop drinking.

Drew admitted to People that she was not a good role model during her teenage years. As she grew older, she made a conscious decision to break the cycle of substance abuse within her family.

She shared, "I'm not the perfect picture of health and wellness. I realized that this pattern didn't work for my family, so I decided to put an end to it. I want to be the one to stop this cycle and hopefully, my children and grandchildren will have a better future because of it. We need to challenge the genetic tendencies that our families pass down to us."

The actress from The Wedding Singer expressed her desire to carry on her family's legacy in a positive manner. She mentioned that from a very young age, around three years old, she felt a strong sense of responsibility to uphold her family's reputation by watching their movies. This feeling has driven her passion for working in the film and television industry. She believes that her connection to the entertainment world runs in her genes and blood, and she feels fortunate to be able to continue pursuing her career in this field.

In March, Drew shared with Us how she conquered her struggle with alcohol.

She revealed, "I had been drinking since I was nine years old. But one day, I made a decision to never touch alcohol again."

Drew has been sober for five years, and she acknowledges that it can be tough to stick to her new way of life.

"I had to really put in the effort and start to understand how to rebuild myself and uncover the reasons behind my excessive drinking. It was my way of dealing with things. I enjoyed how alcohol made me more confident. It helped me escape anxiety. It made me feel invincible and capable of facing anything. But the day after, you're left dealing with the aftermath of those chemicals, feeling even worse," she shared.

Drew shared that the concept was not new to him. He had always known that it did not work for him. He kept telling himself, "I'll master this one day." Sometimes, it just comes down to getting tired of wanting to do something for most of your life. And then, one day, it all finally makes sense.

Editor's P/S:

Drew Barrymore's journey to sobriety is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite her family's history of substance abuse, she has chosen to break the cycle and create a better future for herself and her descendants. Her decision to stop drinking is not only a personal achievement but also a profound act of self-care and responsibility.

Barrymore's candid account of her struggles with alcohol addiction serves as a reminder that addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Her story highlights the importance of seeking help and support when faced with addiction. By sharing her experiences, she empowers others who may be struggling with similar issues and inspires them to seek a path to recovery.