Profiles Of Addiction Recovery | Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper is an American actor known for his extensive filmography as well as winning two Grammy Awards. Before his recovery success, Bradley Cooper struggled with substance abuse and alcohol use.

Bradley Cooper’s Openness On Addiction Recovery

Early in his life, Cooper struggled with abusing painkillers as well as struggles with cocaine abuse. Later, Cooper would suffer from alcohol addiction.

Cooper made an appearance on the Arrested Development star Will Arnett’s podcast to speak about his cocaine addiction. Cooper credits Arnett for helping him acknowledge his struggles with addiction and mental health problems.

On the podcast featuring Bateman, Arnett, and Sean Hayes, Cooper stated, “I was totally depressed and addicted to cocaine in July 2004.” He went on to credit Arnett for his first time realization of requiring sobriety, stating he changed the course of his entire life.

Cooper also stated he had zero self-esteem in the past, but with Arnett’s help he obtained sobriety. Later, the fatherhood of his daughter Lea helped him continue sobriety.

Although suffering from years of drug use, Cooper managed to successfully gain sobriety.

Substance Use & Hollywood Career

Cooper was born on January 5, 1975, in Abington Township, Pennsylvania. He attended high school at Germantown Academy.

Later, Cooper attended Georgetown University and in the early 2000s, Cooper graduated with a Master of Fine Arts in acting from The New School in New York City.

Fired

One of his first roles in media was appearing on the hit ABC television show Alias by J.J. Abrams, starring Jennifer Garner. Although he moved to Los Angeles for the role, Cooper was unfortunately struggling with drug use and was let go from the show.

After this incident, he accidentally tore his Achilles tendon. It was during this time Cooper considered searching for a new profession and almost quit acting.

However, Cooper continued to land multiple roles, appearing in several films. He finally found a breakthrough when he appeared in The Hangover.

Mental Health Portrayals

His role in Silver Linings Playbook saw his character suffering from mental health issues, specifically bipolar disorder. He starred opposite Jennifer Lawrence, whose character suffered from depression.

In 2018, Cooper starred alongside Lady Gaga in a remake of A Star Is Born, which earned him three Oscar nominations. Yet again, Cooper played a role in a film about mental illness.

In 2017, Cooper’s daughter Lea was born to his partner at the time, Irina Shayk. At the 72nd British Academy Film Awards, he became the first person in BAFTA history to receive five nominations in a single ceremony.

Cooper’s friends Will Arnett and Jason Batemen co-host the podcast Smartless podcast, where Cooper has been honest about his recovery journey.

Notable Filmography

Bradley Cooper has starred in a variety of popular films throughout his career. Some of the movies you may recognize him from include:

• The Hangover
• Silver Linings Playbook
• A Star Is Born
• Nightmare Alley
• Wet Hot American Summer
• Guardians of the Galaxy
• American Sniper
• Maestro

Recovery Is Possible

Bradley Cooper serves an example that recovery is possible. He was someone who recognized they were struggling and sought help, and you and your family members can do the same.

To learn how we help individuals and families manage addiction long-term, please contact us today.