Current:Home > MarketsLucy Hale says life 'got really dark' during her struggle with alcoholism, eating disorder -QuantumFunds
Lucy Hale says life 'got really dark' during her struggle with alcoholism, eating disorder
View
Date:2025-04-16 20:12:27
Lucy Hale is opening up about her struggle with alcohol and an eating disorder, exacerbated at the height of her fame on "Pretty Little Liars."
The actress, 34, revealed on Wednesday's episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast that her earliest memory of drinking was on vacation when she was 12 years old. "I remember my very first experience with alcohol was the same as when it ended," she said, adding, "I blacked out at 12 years old. I don't remember what happened, I threw up, I got very sick, and I remember being so distraught when I realized what had happened.
"I remember shame after every experience drinking, because my drinking was never normal," Hale continued. "It was very clear I was drinking to escape something, even at a young age."
Later on in the podcast, Hale reflected on the way drinking also impacted her health. "I think the eating disorder fueled the alcoholism and they kind of fueled each other," she said.
The "PLL" alum said her drinking became a regular activity after turning 18, but she "didn't realize I had a problem until my early 20s."
Drinking became something she thought about "all the time" and "felt uncomfortable" sober when she was out with friends.
Hale revealed she secretly went to rehab when she was 23 while starring in "Pretty Little Liars." "I don't think anyone on the show knew," she said. "That was a pivotal moment in my life."
Her path to sobriety was not linear, however, "which is why I didn't get sober until I was 32," she said.
"I had tried so many different things: rehab, out-patient, in-patient, trauma center, therapy, medication, you name it," Hale continued.
The actress also found herself surrounded by other people with similar habits, adding that a friend at the time told her, "Sober people are so boring," which only lessened her desire to become sober.
Hale's drinking also led to other risky situations, she explained, revealing she was "taken advantage of" in sexual encounters and used cocaine. "I did have moments when I had to go to the hospital," she said. "It got really dark. I was very sad. I was very scared."
The "Truth or Dare" star eventually got sober in 2021, which she credits in part to getting COVID-19, because it forced her to stay home and receive medical treatment. "Without having COVID, I might not have gotten sober or committed to it."
Now that she's been sober for two years, Hale said she feels "great" and excited to talk about it with others. "Being sober is 100% the best thing I've ever done for myself, but doesn't mean it's easy," she said.
How we talk about alcoholism, sobriety:Jason Ritter and Drew Barrymore's raw conversation on her show may matter more than you think
If you suspect you or someone you know needs help with alcohol abuse, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit https://findtreatment.gov.
If you or someone you know is struggling with body image or eating concerns, you can call The National Alliance for Eating Disorders' clinician-run helpline from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. EST at (866) 662-1235. If you are in crisis or need immediate help, please text “ALLIANCE” to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visit hotline.rainn.org/online and receive confidential support.
Tom Holland opens upabout sobriety journey: 'I was definitely addicted to alcohol'
veryGood! (7266)
Related
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- King Charles' official coronation pictures released: Meet the man who captured the photos
- Tearful Ed Sheeran Addresses Wife Cherry Seaborn's Health and Jamal Edwards' Death in Docuseries Trailer
- Kourtney Kardashian Reveals the Secrets Behind Her Guns N' Roses-Inspired Wedding Dress
- Jamie Foxx gets stitches after a glass is thrown at him during dinner in Beverly Hills
- You’ll Get Happy Endorphins Seeing This Legally Blonde Easter Egg in Gilmore Girls
- Wild koalas get chlamydia vaccine in first-of-its kind trial to protect the beloved marsupials
- Tesla's first European factory needs more water to expand. Drought stands in its way
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Elon Musk said Twitter wouldn't become a 'hellscape.' It's already changing
Ranking
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Pregnant Jessie J Pens Heartfelt Message to Her Baby Boy Ahead of His Birth
- Elon Musk says Twitter restored Ye's account without his knowledge before acquisition
- Emma Chamberlain Sets the Record Straight on Claim She’s Selling Personal DMs for $10,000
- Average rate on 30
- Lucy Liu Reveals She Took Nude Portraits of Drew Barrymore During Charlie’s Angels
- Brazen, amateurish Tokyo heist highlights rising trend as Japan's gangs lure desperate youth into crime
- Elon Musk says Ye is suspended from Twitter
Recommendation
Intellectuals vs. The Internet
Sephora 24-Hour Flash Sale: 50% Off BeautyBio, First Aid Beauty, BareMinerals, and More
Keanu Reeves and More Honor Late John Wick Co-Star Lance Reddick Days After His Death
U.N. calls on Taliban to halt executions as Afghanistan's rulers say 175 people sentenced to death since 2021
Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
How the Glamorous Hairstyles on Marie Antoinette Tell Their Own Stories
Ashley Graham Celebrates Full Circle Moment Hosting HGTV's Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge
California drivers can now sport digital license plates on their cars