Profiles Of Addiction Recovery | Elton John

Elton John is a British singer, songwriter, and pianist. Known for hits such as “Rocketman” and “Candle in the Wind,” Elton John has received towering success throughout his career.

However, Elton John also had his share of ups and downs, particularly with drug addiction. Thankfully, he successfully overcame his issues with substance abuse once he attended a professional rehab center and took advantage of ongoing recovery resources.

Cocaine Addiction & Alcohol Abuse

While speaking with NPR, Elton John stated his first encounter with cocaine was in the 70s when his manager brought it into the recording studio.

Throughout the 70s and 80s, Elton John developed cocaine and alcohol addiction. While offstage before and after performances, he participated in heavy alcohol and drug use.

Cocaine Overdose

In 1975, Elton John suffered a cocaine overdose during “Elton Week” in Los Angeles. Thankfully, he survived the overdose. However, following the overdose he shortly developed bulimia, an eating disorder.

Elton John’s Rehab & Recovery

In 1990, Elton John checked into a rehab program in Chicago, Illinois. 

When speaking with Variety, he stated he was surprised at how doctors at the treatment center simply treated him as a human being. After years of hating himself and being ashamed of his addictions, he found comfort in recovery.

Inspiration For Recovery

One of the reasons he wished to remain sober was meeting Ryan White, a young American teenager who had contracted HIV from a blood transfusion. Ultimately, Ryan White is credited as the inspiration for Elton John’s years of sobriety.

Upon receiving treatment, Elton John joined the support group Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which helped provide further recovery assistance.

Elton John tried to assist his friend and fellow musician George Michael in his efforts to recover from drug addiction. Later, he created the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992 which helps provide prevention resources for those with HIV or AIDS.

The famous rock star now lives in addiction recovery with his husband David Furnish and their two children.

About Elton John

Sir Elton John was born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, in Pinner, Middlesex, England. Throughout his career, Elton John joined with lyricist Bernie Taupin to create a wide-range of classic songs.

As his career progressed, Elton John became known as a flamboyant superstar due to his outfits and stunning performances. The celeb gained more prominence with each album released, with many of his songs landing on the Billboard Top 100, such as “Tiny Dancer” and “Your Song.”

First Sober Album & Other Accolades

In 1992, Elton John released his album The One, the first time he completed an album while sober. During this time, he also released a duet with Eric Clapton titled “Runaway Train.”

In 1994, Elton John won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” which was featured in the Disney animated film The Lion King.

Love Is The Cure

In 2012, Elton John released his memoir, Love is the Cure. In his book, John describes his struggles with drug addiction.

In 2019, Elton John’s life story was portrayed onscreen with the biopic Rocketman. He has helped several organizations over the years to raise awareness of mental health and addiction issues.

Recovery Is Possible

Elton John’s life serves as an excellent reminder that by successfully completing a treatment program at a rehab center and following up with aftercare resources, recovery can be managed over the long-term.

At Ark Behavioral Health, our cocaine addiction treatment options include behavioral therapy, peer support groups, and building the tools for lasting recovery. Contact us today to learn more.