Current:Home > MyBilly Idol says he's 'California sober': 'I'm not the same drug addicted person'-LoTradeCoin
Billy Idol says he's 'California sober': 'I'm not the same drug addicted person'
View Date:2024-12-23 19:08:22
Billy Idol is being candid about being "California sober" instead of traditional abstinence.
The Generation X frontman, 68, revealed in an interview with People published Wednesday that after "a long time" he gradually "did achieve some sort of discipline" when it comes to substances.
"I'm not really the same kind of guy I was in the '80s. I'm not the same drug addicted person," he said, noting that he started his sobriety journey after he nearly lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 1990.
Idol said that in AA programs, addiction was always described as a lifelong illness. "And that may be true, but I don't do anything that much anymore. I got over it somehow. I was really lucky that I could get over it because a lot of people can't."
"I can have a glass of wine every now and again," the "Eyes Without a Face" singer continued. "I'm, I suppose, 'California sober.' I just tell myself I can do what I want, but then I don't do it. If I tell myself I can't do anything, I want to do it. So I tell myself, 'You can do anything you like.' But I don't actually do it."
“California sober” is a controversial and somewhat fluid colloquialism to describe people who abstain from most substances.
Idol noted that it "helps" that "a lot of my friends from the old days are sober," as well as his bandmates Steve Stevens and Billy Morrison.
Billy Idol, Nelly, Shaggyrevealed in SunFest's 2024 lineup
Demi Lovato explored 'California sober' in 2021 docuseries
Demi Lovato is among other celebrities who have opened up about being "California sober."
In her YouTube docuseries, “Dancing With the Devil,” she said that she still consumed alcohol and used marijuana in moderation, following a near-fatal overdose in 2018.
"I know I'm done with the stuff that's going to kill me," she said. “But swearing off alcohol and marijuana entirely is just setting myself up for failure.”
However, months after the docuseries release, the singer announced on her Instagram Story: "I no longer support my ‘California sober’ ways."
"Sober sober is the only way to be," Lovato added.
'Sober sober is the only way':Demi Lovato isn't 'California sober' anymore
In the docuseries, some people in Lovato's support system said they understood her desire to explore boundaries, while others worried about her approach. Elton John, an outspoken proponent of the AA model that stresses abstinence, was direct in his disapproval.
"Moderation doesn't work," John said. "If you drink, you're going to drink more; if you take a pill, you're going to take another one. You either do it or you don't."
Contributing: Edward Segarra, Alia E. Dastagir
If your or someone you know is struggling with substance or alcohol use disorders, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
veryGood! (7755)
Related
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul press conference highlights: 'Problem Child' goads 'Iron Mike'
- A chance meeting on a Boston street helped a struggling singer share her music with the world
- Early Mickey Mouse to star in at least 2 horror flicks, now that Disney copyright is over
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hospitalized after complications from recent procedure
- Nearly 80,000 pounds of Costco butter recalled for missing 'Contains Milk statement': FDA
- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vows harsh response to deadly bomb attack
- Is Georgia’s election system constitutional? A federal judge will decide in trial set to begin
- Warriors guard Chris Paul fractures left hand, will require surgery
- Kate Hudson and Goldie Hawn’s SKIMS Holiday Pajamas Are Selling Out Fast—Here’s What’s Still Available
- Remembrance done right: How TCM has perfected the 'in memoriam' montage
Ranking
- Stressing over Election Day? Try these apps and tools to calm your nerves
- Winter storm could have you driving in the snow again. These tips can help keep you safe.
- Marc-Andre Fleury ties Patrick Roy for No. 2 in all-time wins as Wild beat Blue Jackets
- What 5 charts say about the 2023 jobs market and what that might spell for the US in 2024
- Federal judge orders Oakland airport to stop using ‘San Francisco’ in name amid lawsuit
- Halle Bailey Gives Birth, Welcomes First Baby With Boyfriend DDG
- Glynis Johns, known for her role as Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins, dead at 100
- NBA reinstates Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green from indefinite suspension
Recommendation
-
Traveling to Las Vegas? Here Are the Best Black Friday Hotel Deals
-
Shop These Jaw-Dropping Home Deals for Finds up to 60% Off That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Space
-
A fire in a Rohingya refugee camp in Bangladesh guts more than 1,000 shelters
-
A look back at Louisiana Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards’ eight years in office
-
Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid Enjoy a Broadway Date Night and All that Jazz
-
China sanctions 5 US defense companies in response to US sanctions and arms sales to Taiwan
-
Longtime New Mexico state Sen. Garcia dies at age 87; champion of children, families, history
-
Bryce Underwood, top recruit in 2025 class, commits to LSU football