Famous People Who Struggled with Cocaine Addiction

In 1996, Robert Downey, Jr. was arrested for possessing heroin and cocaine.Robert Downey, Jr.Robert Downey, Jr. was arrested for heroin and cocaine in 1996. He battled drug addiction until 2003. Then, he finished a 12-step program and began meditating and practicing yoga.

By age 13, Drew Barrymore had already gone to rehab for cocaine addiction.Drew BarrymoreDrew Barrymore stated, "I never want to go back to my old ways. I know that. That is my future. One day at a time. I’m Drew, and I’m an addict-alcoholic," after entering rehab.

Drew Barrymore storiesDrew Barrymore stories from the '90s often show people overcoming substance dependency.

Demi Lovato admitted struggling with cocaine addiction during her career. She wrote about it in songs like "Sober," where she said, "Momma, I'm so sorry, I'm not sober anymore. And daddy, please forgive me for the drinks spilled on the floor."

"Cocaine was a place to hide for me. Most people get high on coke. It slowed me down," said the person.Robin WilliamsRobin Williams finally stopped his habit after his friend John Belushi died from an overdose in 1982.

Cocaine use contributed to Whitney Houston's death.Whitney HoustonWhitney Houston's death in 2012.

Angelina JolieAngelina Jolie reportedly used cocaine and heroin in the 1990s. She said, "I went through heavy, darker times, and I survived them. I didn’t die young. So I’m very lucky."

In the 1970s, comedian Richard PryorRichard PryorRichard Pryor spent $100 daily on cocaine. He stated, "Drugs may start out fun, but they never end in fun. The horror they brought me every night and the guilt they brought me every day is what drugs are about."

Supermodel Kate MossKate MossKate Moss reportedly struggled with cocaine and alcohol addiction for much of her adult life.

"One snort and cocaine took over my body and soul. It was my on-switch, and it felt like a really good energizing drug," said the author.Stephen KingStephen King wrote about his addiction.

Aerosmith frontman Steven TylerSteven Tyler estimates he spent millions on cocaine in the '70s and '80s. He said, "You could also say I snorted half of Peru, but, you know, it's what we did."Steven Tyler estimates he spent millions on cocaine in the '70s and '80s. He said, "You could also say I snorted half of Peru, but, you know, it's what we did."

River PhoenixRiver Phoenix died from a cocaine and heroin overdose in 1993. Though only 23, he reportedly struggled with addiction for much of his life.

Before becoming a sitcom star, Tim AllenTim AllenTim Allen was convicted for drug trafficking after police found 650 grams of cocaine on him.

Hunter S. ThompsonHunter S. Thompson was so addicted to cocaine he added it to his daily to-do list. He also set aside time to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, and smoke "grass to take the edge off."

In 1997, Chris FarleyChris Farley died after overdosing on a mix of cocaine, alcohol, and other drugs. He moved in and out of rehab at least 17 times in the last two years of his life.Chris Farley died after overdosing on cocaine, alcohol, and other drugs. He went to rehab at least 17 times in his last two years.

"I lived in Los Angeles in the '80s, which was not the best place to be," said Corey Haim.Corey Haim"I did cocaine for about a year-and-a-half, then it led to crack." Corey Haim died of pneumonia in 2010.

Sigmund FreudSigmund Freud began studying cocaine effects in 1884. He became one of the world's top supporters of the drug.

In 2005, comedianMitch Hedberg struggled with cocaine addiction. Many thought he was the funniest person alive when he died.Mitch Hedberg died from a cocaine and heroin overdose. People considered him the funniest person in the world at his death.

In 2015, former Stone Temple Pilots frontman Scott Weiland was involved.Scott Weiland.Scott Weiland died from an overdose of cocaine, ecstasy, and alcohol.

Curt Hennig.Curt Hennig, the professional wrestler known as Mr. Perfect, died in 2003 from acute cocaine intoxication.

INXS frontman.Michael Hutchence.Michael Hutchence reportedly sought cocaine before his 1997 hanging death.

In 2013, Toronto Mayor Rob Ford.Rob Ford.Rob Ford was seen smoking crack cocaine in a leaked video. He battled cancer and died in 2016 at age 46.

Adam Goldstein.Adam Goldstein, also known as DJ AM, had cocaine and prescription drugs in his system when he died in 2009. His death followed a plane crash where four people died almost a year earlier.

Wu-Tang Clan rapper.Ol' Dirty Bastard.Ol' Dirty Bastard died from a cocaine and Tramadol overdose in 2004. He was released from jail after serving two years for drug charges.

Thomas Edison.Thomas Edison reportedly took cocaine tonics for 'miraculous' effects.

Scott Charles Bigelow.Scott Charles Bigelow, the professional wrestler Bam Bam Bigelow, had a toxic level of cocaine in his system when he died in 2007.

The Who bassist.John Entwistle.John Entwistle died in 2002 due to a heart condition caused by cocaine use.

In August 2018, Kristen Bell praised her husband Dax Shepherd.Kristen Bell praised Dax Shepherd on Instagram.Dax Shepherd has been open about his past cocaine, alcohol, and other substance addiction for 14 years of sobriety.In 2012, Dax Shepherd.Playboy interview.In a Playboy interview, Dax Shepherd talked about getting in a car accident while buying coke in Hawaii.Dax Shepherd talked about getting in a car accident on the way to buy coke while filming in Hawaii.

Alice in Chains frontman.Layne Staley.Layne Staley died from a heroin and cocaine overdose in 2002. He said, "I'm not using drugs to get high like many people think. I know I made a big mistake when I started using this sh--. It's a very difficult thing to explain. My liver is not functioning and I'm throwing up all the time and sh---ing my pants. The pain is more than you can handle. It's the worst pain in the world. Dope sick hurts the entire body," in an interview months before his death.

In 2008, at age 76, Ike Turner.Ike Turner.Ike Turner died from a cocaine overdose. Ike Turner used drugs throughout much of his career.

Cocaine reportedly inspired Robert Louis Stevenson.Robert Louis Stevenson.Robert Louis Stevenson wrote his novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.Robert Louis Stevenson struggled with cocaine addiction.

Quiet Riot singer.Kevin DuBrow.Kevin DuBrow died from a cocaine overdose in 2007.

Blind Melon singer.Shannon Hoon.Shannon Hoon died from an overdose at age 28 after a day-long binge.

Baseball player.Ken Caminiti.Ken Caminiti was arrested in 2001 for possessing cocaine. He struggled with the addiction until he died from a cocaine and heroin overdose in 2004.

Jazz legend.Chet Baker.Chet Baker died after falling out of his hotel window in Amsterdam. Heroin, cocaine, and his trumpet were found in his room.

NFL player.John Matuszak.John Matuszak had cocaine in his system when he died from a prescription drug overdose in 1989. In his 1987 autobiography, Matuszak wrote, "I abstain from cocaine, and any other foreign substance, entirely now." He added, "I take nothing, not even sleeping pills. I've hit damn near bottom. I don't ever want to go back."