Jodie Sweetin’s Battle with Addiction Began at 14 During Cameron Bure’s Wedding
Jodie Sweetin, known for her role in “Full House,” has openly shared her journey with addiction, which began at the young age of 14. During a podcast interview, she revealed that her first significant experience with alcohol occurred at Candace Cameron Bure’s wedding in 1996. This pivotal moment has since influenced her relationship with substances throughout her teenage years.
Jodie Sweetin’s Early Exposure to Alcohol
Reflecting on that night, Sweetin described her behavior as that of a “blackout drinker.” She noted, “It was awful and it was ugly and it was embarrassing,” a sentiment echoed by her mother, who was horrified by her actions. Sweetin recalled being at the reception, away from her mother, and drinking wine without anyone noticing.
A Pivotal Moment
- Age of Onset: 14 years old
- Event: Candace Cameron Bure’s wedding
- Year: 1996
- Last Memory: Dancing to “YMCA”
Sweetin jokingly remarked about the “not a good mix” of red wine and the venue’s white bathroom. Reflecting back, she acknowledged that while the experience felt terrible the next day, a part of her found excitement in the carefree nature of drunkenness.
Struggles with Addiction
As Sweetin entered her mid-teens, she recognized that her drinking habits diverged significantly from her peers. While her friends encouraged her to cut back, she sought out companions who shared her desire for a more rebellious lifestyle.
- Substances Used: Alcohol, cocaine, ecstasy, crystal meth
- Underlying Issues: ADHD
She believed that her struggles with ADHD made her more susceptible to addiction, as she viewed drugs and alcohol as potential remedies for her challenges. Sweetin cited her experience with the end of “Full House” in 1995 as another catalyst for her substance use, stating that she struggled to process the emotional loss during her younger years.
Finding Recovery
Sweetin eventually entered rehab in her twenties and faced several relapses. However, she achieved lasting sobriety in late 2008. Currently, she has over 16 years of sobriety from alcohol and 13 years since her last relapse on medication due to a car accident.
Despite the pressures of being a child star, Sweetin does not attribute her addiction solely to her early fame. She expressed on a podcast that her challenges with addiction would have arisen regardless of her career. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of the personal battles many face and the ongoing struggle for a healthier lifestyle.