Profiles Of Addiction Recovery | Zac Efron

The American actor and famous celebrity Zac Efron is known for his many movie roles as well as his famous perception as a “Hollywood heartthrob.” Although achieving worldwide fame, Efron has struggled with substance abuse throughout his life.
Zac Efron’s History Of Substance Abuse
According to an interview in Elle, Efron stated that in 2012 he stopped seeing his close friends and became secluded, participating in drug and alcohol abuse. Efron has also spoken out about his cocaine addiction during this time as well.
Additionally, Efron has discussed his mental health struggles and depression, revealing he felt he wasn’t “living his own life,” but the life others wanted for him. At the beginning of 2013, Efron’s drug abuse began to catch up to him.
Efron collapsed in his New York City hotel, in need of resuscitation. Shortly after, Efron began recovery efforts.
Zac Efron’s Recovery Efforts
Efron attended a rehab center for the first time in early 2013 for substance abuse problems and alcohol addiction. Efron stated that sobriety is a “never-ending struggle” and joined Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for regular attendance.
In an interview, Efron says he’s just a “human being who makes mistakes.” Efron has attempted recovery and has been sober since 2013 after successful treatment.
About Zac Efron
Zac Efron was born on October 18, 1987. He graduated from the California Arroyo Grande High School in 2006. Efron became an early child star, performing in numerous theatrical shows and receiving an agent during this time.
Shortly after graduating high school, he was cast as Troy Bolton in the Disney High School Musical film series starring alongside Vanessa Hudgens.
The High School Musical co-stars dated from 2005-2010. Efron continued in TV shows and films, starring opposite Seth Rogen in Neighbors in 2014.
Later that year, in 2014, Efron was waiting for an Uber when a homeless man confronted him with a knife in Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. Efron later stated to The Hollywood Reporter that it was the “most terrifying moment” of his life.
In 2017, Efron starred in Baywatch along with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Zac Efron’s Notable Filmography
- High School Musical
- Baywatch
- Hairspray
- The Paperboy
- That Awkward Moment
- Neighbors
- Down to Earth with Zac Efron
- Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile
Recovery Is Possible
No one, including popular celebs like Zac Efron, are immune to the disease of addiction. However, recovery is possible with the help of evidence-based treatment programs.
To learn how our detox, inpatient, or outpatient care options help make recovery possible for individuals and families, 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.
Elle - The Zen of Zac
E News - Zac Efron Speaks Candidly About Alcohol and Drug Addiction Issues: "It's a Never-Ending Struggle"
The Hollywood Reporter - Zac Efron on Career Reinvention, Addiction ‘Struggle’ and That Fight on Skid Row
Mirror - Zac Efron's fall from clean-cut teen star to cocaine shame and rehab
Page Six - Zac Efron Needs Resuscitation: OD Report
TMZ - ZAC EFRON Rehab For BIG COKE PROBLEM
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