September is National Recovery Month, a nationwide observance dedicated to raising awareness about substance use disorders. It is also a visible time in which we recognize those who have recovered and challenge the social stigma associated with addiction.

In celebration, our team has collected a few quotes from sober celebrities who continue to publicly sharing their experience with recovery.

“Sobriety was the greatest gift I ever gave myself.” – Rob Lowe

“Everything good that has happened to me happened as a direct result of helping someone else. I love that responsibility of being able to help people do right. I’ve been sober for 46 years and have had a great life.” – Danny Trejo

“It’s time for addiction to stand up and demand some respect. Because every time someone is ostracized for being an addict…. yet another addict is shamed into silence.” Kristen Johnston

“By letting go of self and ego, working a program that connects you to a Higher Power and giving back to those still struggling are just some of the important things you’ll learn through sobriety.” – Nikki Six

“The disease…is not a matter of having willpower.” Lynda Carter

“I realized that I only had two choices: I was either going to die or I was going to live, and which one did I want to do? And then I said those words, ‘I’ll get help,’ or, ‘I need help, I’ll get help’ and my life turned around.” – Sir Elton John

“You know, a lot of people feel that sobriety is just about stopping using whatever it was that you appeared to be addicted to, but it really has to do with a way of looking at your life and taking accountability.” – Bonnie Raitt

“Work is my hobby, staying sober is my job.” – Christian Slater

“I’m proud of the people who have the determination and the fearlessness to actually go and face their demons and get better. This is a life or death situation.” – Eva Mendes

Addiction is no respecter of status.

Any human being from any demographic, cultural background, geographical area, income level, can become addicted. The stigma attached to this widespread disease impacts us all, both consciously and unconsciously. Every time someone uses their voice to share their experience with recovery, they change the conversation about addiction.

To all of those who continue to speak out, thank you. Recovery is possible. 

Happy Recovery Month!