Profiles Of Addiction Recovery | Charlie Sheen

Hollywood actor Charlie Sheen struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for over two decades, even as he was TV’s highest-paid actor in TV shows such as Anger Management and Two and a Half Men. 

Cocaine, alcohol, benzodiazepines, and ecstasy were all reported as parts of Sheen’s drug addiction.

Throughout Sheen’s career, the sitcom actor had a reputation for partying, drug use, and erratic behavior and rants in the public eye. After multiple stints in rehab, Sheen committed to sobriety in the late 2010s, citing his desire to support his children.

Early Drug Use & The Pressures Of Fame

Charlie Sheen’s first incident with illicit drugs may have happened at the age of 15, when he was arrested for marijuana possession. 

His drug problem may have only worsened from then on, in part due to the relationship he had with his father, star actor Martin Sheen, and the pressures of fame.

Alcohol Abuse Vs. Career Success

Sheen’s struggles with alcohol and drug abuse may have affected his professional career and personal life, even as he earned acclaim and starring roles in works such as Platoon, Wall Street, and Hot Shots! 

Sheen’s personal life was marred by drug abuse and an unstable relationship with his partner, Brooke Mueller.

Sheen pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-wife Mueller in 2010, and was sentenced to three months in alcohol and drug rehab. Sheen’s illicit drug use likely continued into the mid-2010s, until he publicly committed to sobriety by 2018.

“Two And A Half Men” Feud

In 2011, Sheen’s cocaine and alcohol use while working on Two and a Half Men was publicized. During this time, Sheen went on talk shows and publicly feuded with Two and a Half Men creator Chuck Lorre.

Sheen also made comments about his reckless substance abuse, citing his “tiger blood” and “Adonis DNA.” He called Alcoholics Anonymous a “bootleg cult,” quotes which quickly circulated in news outlets and online.

Although Sheen already claimed he was sober in these interviews, some news outlets speculated that Sheen’s rants were partly fueled by drugs, alcohol, or declining mental health. Two and a Half Men went on hiatus after Sheen’s public tirades, before firing Sheen later in 2011.

Relapse & Commitment To Recovery

Charlie Sheen started his recovery from drug and alcohol abuse in the late 2010s, well after his time playing Charlie Harper on Two and a Half Men. His path to recovery may have included several relapses, including one in the early 2010s after he tested HIV-positive.

Sheen told USA Today that his children were a significant factor in his commitment to sobriety. He told interviewers that his substance use was preventing him from spending quality time with his children.

Sheen celebrated over one year of sobriety in 2018. In a 2021 interview with Insider, Sheen regretted his past public meltdowns and numerous rants. Although Sheen may not be promoting new shows as of 2023, he has expressed his openness to return to acting.

Rehab History

Charlie Sheen first entered rehab in 1990, at the age of 24. He re-entered drug addiction rehab programs again in 1998, in 2010 after pleading guilty to assaulting his ex-wife, and in 2011 after his public feud with Lorre.

Recovery Is Possible

Recovering from drug and alcohol addiction is a long, intensive process. Charlie Sheen struggled with addiction for over a decade before his attempts at recovery succeeded. Rehab programs give you the resources and mental health treatment you need to make long-term recovery possible.

If you or someone you know lives with addiction, contact us to find out if our inpatient or outpatient treatment services will work for you.