Kristen Bell Shares How She Helps Co-Create Dax Shepard's Sobriety Plan
What happened: Actress Kristen Bell appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” on Wednesday, providing an update to the host about her husband, Dax Shepard’s recent relapse. “He is actually doing really great,” Bell said, noting that Shepard emphasized to her that they needed to come up with a “stronger plan.” Shepard revealed his relapse on the Sept. 25 episode of his podcast, “Armchair Expert,” according to People. He had been sober for 16 years.
One of the main reasons I love him is that he’s also addicted to growth. He’s addicted to evolving and he was like, ‘I don’t want to risk this family and I did, so let’s put new things in place to make sure it doesn’t happen again.’ — Kristen Bell
The Frontlines: Bell and Shepard had a system in place that required her to administer any medication he needed to take. But after breaking his hand and experiencing injuries from a motorcycle accident earlier in 2020, Shepard found himself seeking out pills on his own. It was lying to his loved ones that ultimately led him to know he needed to seek help. He’s not alone in struggling with addiction and substance use.
- Nearly 21 million people the U.S. deal with one or more addictions. Only about 10% get treatment.
- Addiction can cause chemical changes in the brain’s reward center. Over time it takes more and more to feel the pleasure of a substance or behavior. Because of this, addiction often requires professional treatment and intervention.
- Relapse is a common part of substance use recovery. An estimated 40 to 60% of those in recovery will relapse at one point or another. It doesn’t mean recovery or treatment has failed.
A Mighty Voice: Our contributor, Michaela Massoletti, shared how strong sobriety can be as she explains what it’s like to socialize sober. “My old ways of trying to change myself to mold and fit with others almost killed me emotionally, spiritually and physically. Striving to be a chameleon, I changed my skin to match my surroundings too many times. In choosing recovery years ago, I made the choice to no longer conform for other people. I am not willing to jeopardize my heart to feel a part of for one night.” You can submit your first-person story, too.
From Our Community:
Other things to know: Trying to manage an addiction on your own is difficult, and you don’t have to struggle alone. Find community and learn here how others are finding ways to work through addiction:
- A ‘Break-Up’ Letter to My Addiction
- How Sobriety Is Different When You Have a Co-Occurring Mental Illness
- Why Reward-Based Systems Don’t Work For Me As a Food Addict
How to take action: An addictive high can make an individual believe they have everything under control. But eventually, when the high wears off, often all that’s left is uncertainty, regret, and even guilt. Those feelings can drive a person to seek a high again. That’s why it’s important to have support. If you’re dealing with an addiction, talk to a trusted friend, family member or counselor. And reach to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration anytime, 24/7, for support or help. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Header image via Dax Shepard/Instagram
Karen Veazey is a Las Vegas-based writer focused on health and lifestyle topics. Her byline has also appeared on sites for The Atlantic, The Lily, Romper, SheKnows, and more. Prior to her freelance writing career she worked in radio for 15 years.
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