Drew Barrymore’s Heart-wrenching Saga: From Drug Addiction, Landing in a Rehab at Age 12 to an Unsuccessful Suicide Attempt – “I was going to die at 25”
In the wake of Demi Lovato’s highly anticipated documentary Child Star, which is set to unravel the harsh realities of young fame, Drew Barrymore’s story remains one of extraordinary transformation. Dubbed as one of the world’s most well-known former child stars, Barrymore remains a vivid reminder of how even the most turbulent beginnings can lead to a powerful, redemptive journey.
Drew Barrymore in Everyone Says I Love You | image: Miramax
From her early exposure to a world of excess and addiction to her profound struggle with mental health and her attempted suicide, Drew Barrymore’s childhood happened to have been a whirlwind of challenges. Yet, the actress’ resilience and unwavering hope propelled her from the brink of despair to a celebrated career as an actress, producer, and entrepreneur.
Drew Barrymore’s Troubled Youth and a Whirlwind of Addictions
As Demi Lovato’s directorial debut with the upcoming documentary Child Star prepares to delve into the tumultuous lives of famous former child actors, Drew Barrymore’s story stands out as a profound example of resilience and transformation. Scheduled for release on September 17, the documentary promises to shed light on the challenges of fame from a young age, with celebrities like Raven-Symoné, Kenan Thompson, Alyson Stoner, and others’ experiences serving as poignant case studies.
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Meanwhile, as we wait for Child Star to hit Hulu, a resurfaced article from The Guardian caught our attention, wherein Drew Barrymore reflected on her troubled childhood years when her life had become a whirlwind of parties and excess. During the interview, she candidly recounted how her childhood was marked by frequent outings with her mother and her mother’s friends, often involving drugs, alcohol, and encounters with men.
Drew Barrymore in a still from Charlie’s Angels (2000) | image: Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing
At just 8 years old, Drew Barrymore was already living a lifestyle that many adults would find overwhelming. This early exposure to a hedonistic world undoubtedly took its toll on her mental and physical health. By the age of 12, Barrymore had already faced the harsh reality of addiction, entering rehab and supporting Nancy Reagan’s Just Say No campaign. Unfortunately, her struggle continued, as she found herself in another round of intense period of rehabilitation when she was 13.
Drew Barrymore’s Journey from Moments of Despair to Inspirational Success
During this period, Drew Barrymore not only battled severe addiction issues but also fought the monster of suicidal thoughts and depression. According to her discussion with Madison Beer in her own talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, the actress had reflected on her desperate attempt at suicide at just 13 years of age—a dark chapter that highlighted the depth of her struggle. However, despite these trials, Barrymore found the light at the end of the tunnel.
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Drew Barrymore’s recovery process was arduous, but she emerged from it with a renewed perspective on life. Reflecting on her experiences, Barrymore shared with The Guardian her feelings of both fear and hope. The actress admitted that while she harbored concerns about her future, believing she might not make it past 25, she also clung on to hope and belief in herself. That’s how, even during her darkest moments, she never completely succumbed to despair.
Drew Barrymore in Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial | image: Universal Pictures
Half no, in that I was so scared of not knowing where I was going. I really had a fear that I was going to die at 25. And half yes, because no matter how dark sh*t got, I always had a sense that there should be goodness. I never went all the way into darkness. There were so many things I could have done that would have pushed me over the edge and I just knew not to go there.
Today, Drew Barrymore’s life serves as a testament to the power of resilience and transformation. The actress’ journey from a troubled child star, who appeared in Ken Russell’s sci-fi horror Altered States and Steven Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, to a successful actress, producer, and entrepreneur seems nothing short of inspiring. Her story, thus seems deserving of a place among the other iconic actors who struggled with the complexities of being young stars.
Child Star will stream on Hulu on September 17.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
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