Bradley Cooper’s Battle with Addiction: A Story of Redemption
Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of fame or success. Hollywood actor Bradley Cooper knows this all too well, as he recently shared his personal struggles with addiction on the show “Running Wild With Bear Grylls: The Challenge.”
Cooper revealed that his battle with addiction started long before he became a household name with his breakout role in “The Hangover.” For a decade, he faced the hardships of addiction, but he managed to rise above it. “I didn’t get lost in fame,” he shared. However, he did admit to having some wild years filled with alcohol and drugs. But he emphasized that his addiction had nothing to do with his rise to stardom.
It was at the age of 29 when Cooper made the life-changing decision to get sober. Now, 19 years later, he continues to live a sober lifestyle, considering himself “very lucky” to have fought and overcome his addiction.
In a candid conversation on the “Smartless” podcast, Cooper opened up about hitting “rock bottom.” A friend visiting his place noticed that Cooper had neglected to let his dogs out, and that moment was a wake-up call for him. “That was the first time I ever realized I had a problem with drugs and alcohol,” Cooper revealed. This realization changed his entire life.
Cooper’s journey towards sobriety was not an easy one. He experienced “zero self-esteem” and felt lost, especially after leaving the TV show “Alias.” However, his past struggles as an addict ultimately shaped his remarkable portrayal of Jackson Maine in the critically acclaimed film “A Star is Born” in 2018.
“It made it easier to really enter in there,” Cooper explained. “And thank goodness I was at a place in my life where I was at ease with all that. So I could really let myself go.”
This is a powerful reminder that addiction does not discriminate based on success or fame. Cooper’s story of redemption and triumph serves as an inspiration to anyone who is battling addiction. It’s never too late to make a change and find a path to recovery. Cooper is proof that with determination and support, it is possible to overcome the darkest of times and turn one’s life around.
