Recently, we have seen a massive increase in the popularity of non-alcoholic and alcohol-free beverages. People’s attitude towards drinking has shifted, and they are looking more at their mental health and how it can be optimized for the better. In many cases, people improve their mental health by cutting out alcohol, which is why, for the most part, there has been a significant decline in the binge drinking culture.

We also see considerable growth in celebrities who have decided to go sober. Not every famous person has had a negative relationship with alcohol; some have simply quit as a lifestyle choice. The benefits of not drinking are quite significant and can help people achieve their goals. Here are the stories of 11 celebrities who have given up drinking and how it has benefited their lives.

Andy Murray

Andy Murray is a little different from other celebrities featured on this list as he gave up drinking alcohol at a very young age, so there was no chance of jeopardizing his future sporting career. Through interviews, he explained he made the decision as he was worried that alcohol consumption could be detrimental to the goals he had set surrounding the sport of tennis. Andy went cold turkey and continues that lifestyle to this day.

Ben Affleck

Hollywood actor Ben Affleck has been pretty open about his battles with alcoholism and how they have been a repeat factor throughout his life. Affleck has completed rehab on numerous occasions. When attending the Oscars, Ben also brought a sober coach with him to help combat his addiction. The story of Ben Affleck and alcoholism is one that many can relate to, showing that it isn’t always as easy as just “giving up.”

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt is another Hollywood actor who hasn’t shied away from speaking about his continued battle with alcohol. He explained that at the beginning of his acting career, his alcohol consumption became so bad that the situation became make-or-break. Pitt decided he didn’t want to continue living this way, so he went completely sober. He remains sober to this day.

Calvin Harris

Calvin Harris, the popular DJ, explained that the lifestyle that comes with having a job like his was an alcohol enabler. The party lifestyle was not synonymous with being sober. He has spoken about his drinking alcohol, and he decided to stop because the drink was making him feel ill and affecting his brain in the worst way possible. This has been a common theme with many people who work within the entertainment industry.

Chris Martin

Another entertainer to have struggled with alcoholism is Chris Martin. In interviews, Chris has said the band and himself have definitely enjoyed the party lifestyle but understood that it wasn’t something that could continue forever. Now that the band is all a little older, they embrace the more sober lifestyle and enjoy it just the same.

Daniel Radcliffe

Daniel Radcliffe, the star of the Harry Potter movie franchise and actor, has been very open about alcoholism and the battles he has faced for many years. Daniel has also depicted how his battle with sobriety wasn’t a quick ad easy one; rather, it was a long hard struggle to normalize. During an interview with the Telegraph, the Harry Potter star said that he still had fond memories of his relationship with alcohol, but thankfully he no longer thinks about them constantly.

Lana Del Ray

During her youth, popular American singer-songwriter Lana Del Ray had battles with alcoholism. She has been open about her experiences, explaining in an interview with GQ that she had a problem with drinking in her teenage years but had the desire to go sober before reaching the 20-year milestone. Lana believes that her sobriety was one of the key factors that enabled her to stay focused when moving to New York in a bid to pursue her musical dreams.

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell is known across many industries, such as business, fashion, and film. Now she has given up drinking to push herself even further. When interviewed by Life & Style, Naomi explained how she feels much happier when she isn’t drinking, and actively not drinking is the route to her good moods. These are common thoughts for many people who have given up alcohol.

Pharrell Williams

From the start of his career, it has been obvious that the musician and music producer has chosen a sober lifestyle, as he has stated that alcohol is not for him. The case is fascinating because many musicians and other entertainers have stated that their work environments contributed to their alcohol issues. However, it illustrates that others have simply chosen not to try it. Just like in every other aspect of life, alcohol isn’t for everyone.

Russell Brand

Comedian, actor, and writer Russell Brand has been very open about his battle with addiction surrounding substance abuse and alcohol. In both the UK and America, Brand has spoken about his battles in a comedic yet serious way. The comedian has even written a book titled “Recovery.” This book discusses his varying battles with addictions of different kinds and how he finally came to a point in his life where he could overcome them.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson struggled with alcohol addiction, like many of the entertainers listed in this article. Since entering the New York acting scene in the 1970s and 80s, he has been open about his battles with alcohol and substance abuse. His sobriety helped him not only focus but also give him the ability to connect with characters more effectively by allowing him to connect with them differently.

As you can see from this list of 11 celebrities, many of their battles with stopping drinking alcohol are similar, while others are a stark contrast. Going sober can be very different for all those going through it. Still, it can ultimately be rewarding for anyone who feels that alcohol is causing detriment to the way of living they desire.

Published by HOLR Magazine.