Inside Lucy Hale’s battle with addiction and relapses: From 'rock bottom' to being 2 years sober
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Lucy Hale is best known for her role in 'Pretty Little Liars', and now the actress is opening up about some elements of her personal life.
For those who may not know, Lucy Hale suffers from alcohol addiction. At 35, Lucy Hale is two-and-a-half years sober and is using her story to inspire others, despite never intending to be a “poster child for sobriety.”
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Hale revealed how her struggles with alcohol started in her teenage years, using it as a way to numb feelings of loneliness and being misunderstood.
Lucy Hale reveals struggles with alcohol abuse
“When I first got sober, my intention was never to be the poster child of sobriety. But when I began speaking about it, it came from a place of needing to heal and take my power back,” Hale, who is being honored with the 2024 Humanitarian Award by Friendly House, a women’s addiction recovery center, exclusively shared with PEOPLE.
Hale spent much of her 20s struggling with addiction while rising to fame in 'Pretty Little Liars', a career she calls her "North Star" that gave her purpose.
However, the demands of her career added fuel to the cycle of depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse.
"I was constantly in this cycle of extreme depression and anxiety while having to show up to work and be on. And that 'being on' fueled even more drinking," she explained.
"I always had a desire to change, but with any form of addiction, you become powerless to this obsession. I definitely had to go through my own process of getting sober.
"It took many, many, many years, many relapses, many dark moments, many falling on my face quite literally, but figuratively as well to figure out what was working in my life, finding out why I was drinking, because removing alcohol is just one part of it.”
It wasn’t until Hale hit rock bottom at 32 that she made the life-changing decision to get sober. On January 2, 2022, she committed to breaking the cycle, despite her fears.
“I knew if I continued on that path, I would've lost everything I cared about. It was the scariest choice in my life, but also it's been the best gift. When I made that change, everything else changed. My whole life has changed.”
While sobriety hasn’t been easy, Hale has found a new sense of peace and self-love. “I still have to make the choice every day like, ‘Okay, today I'm staying sober and today I'm choosing me,’” she explained.
She added that the journey is about more than just avoiding alcohol — it’s about embracing a healthier, more present life.
Hale’s experience has resonated with many, particularly after her visit to Friendly House, a women’s addiction recovery center, where she witnessed the power of collective healing. “When women are together healing and growing, it's just... it's palpable. It's just the best feeling to witness women blossoming and overcoming the impossible,” she shared.
As she continues to rebuild her life, Hale is grateful for the opportunity to be her authentic self. “I can't believe I'm at a place in my life where I can talk about the things that used to bring me so much shame.”
Fans praise Lucy Hale for sharing her story
Lucy Hale’s candid account of her journey to sobriety has garnered widespread support and admiration from fans online. Following her recent interview where she detailed her path to recovery, social media users have expressed heartfelt reactions.
One user shared their personal connection, writing, "Love that she’s sharing her story. I was 33 when I got sober. One of the best decisions of my life." Another reminisced about Hale’s earlier career, stating, "I remember when she was on American Juniors. Such a gorgeous voice. So glad she’s taking care of herself."
Hale’s role as Aria Montgomery in 'Pretty Little Liars' also resonated with fans. "She’s my favorite Pretty Little Liars character. Named my daughter after her character," a user commented.
Many expressed their well-wishes, with one user saying, "Love her movies. Glad she’s taking care of herself. Wishing her all the best." Another added, "Had no idea that she’s been through so much," highlighting the surprise and support for Hale’s journey.
The supportive comments continued with enthusiastic congratulations, "Congrats!!!"
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.
