Profiles Of Addiction Recovery | Tom Felton

Tom Felton, well-known for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy in The Harry Potter film franchise based on the best-selling books by author JK Rowling, is a celebrity who has been open about his substance abuse and mental health struggles.
Drinking To Escape
According to Entertainment Weekly, Felton revealed his struggles with addiction in his new book, Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard, from Grand Central Publishing.
In his memoir, Felton stated he began drinking to “escape” the world and spent lots of time at dive bars in the Los Angeles, California area.
Felton’s alcohol abuse continued to worsen, prompting many of Felton’s loved ones to stage an intervention. Although Felton did not attend rehab because of his own realization, thankfully a strong support system helped him achieve sobriety.
Intervention & Recovery
The beginning of Felton’s recovery efforts started with an intervention which included his manager and then-girlfriend Jade Olivia, his agents, and his lawyer. While in the stages of addiction denial, a person may refuse the idea of therapy, as did Felton.
In his memoir, Felton stated therapy is a difficult first step in the treatment process. During the intervention for Felton, his friends requested that he attend a rehab facility in Malibu, California.
Felton admits that, as each person stated why Felton needed rehab, he remained angry and in denial. It wasn’t until his lawyer spoke that Felton found his “important moment” which touched him profoundly.
Referring to his lawyer’s words as a “quiet honesty,” Felton revealed that during the intervention, his lawyer stated, “I don’t know you very well, but you seem like a nice guy. All I want to tell you is that this is the seventeenth intervention I’ve been to in my career. Eleven of them are now dead. Don’t be the twelfth.”
Rehab
Felton did not stay the required amount of time in rehab, and within 24 hours, left the Malibu treatment center. Later, Felton returned to rehab and checked into another California treatment facility.
About Tom Felton
Actor Tom Felton’s “big break” occurred when Warner Bros decided to produce the Harry Potter movies based on the books about a magical school named Hogwarts.
Felton worked alongside Daniel Radcliffe, Robbie Coltrane, and others during his time with his Harry Potter family. Felton continues acting, more recently attending the red carpet premiere of the Netflix film The Forgotten Battle.
In his 2022 memoir, Felton admitted he had a crush on his Harry Potter co-star Emma Watson who played the character of Hermione.
Recovery Is Possible
Although Felton spent several stints in rehab for his alcohol addiction, he eventually gained sobriety. Just as Felton states in his memoir, seeking help for drug addiction is not a “sign of weakness.” Those participating in drug use can find drug treatment now.
To learn how we make recovery possible, please contact us today.
Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
©2025 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
This page does not provide medical advice.
CNN - ‘Harry Potter’ star Tom Felton details past struggle with alcoholism in new memoir
Complex - ‘Harry Potter’ Actor Tom Felton on Surviving Substance Abuse Issues: ‘The Wheels Needed to Come Off’
Entertainment Tonight - Tom Felton Reveals Mental Health Struggles, Multiple Secret Rehab Stints in Memoir 'Beyond the Wand'
Entertainment Weekly - Harry Potter star Tom Felton details substance abuse struggles and his escape from rehab in memoir
People - 'Harry Potter' 's Tom Felton on Rehab and Mental Health: 'The Alcohol Wasn't the Problem. It Was the Symptom'
US Magazine - Tom Felton’s Biggest ‘Beyond the Wand’ Book Revelations: His 3 Rehab Stints, Getting Arrested, ‘Harry Potter’ Cast Relationships and More
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