Drew Barrymore Reveals Why Rehab at 14 Was 'Best Thing That Ever Happened'

Drew Barrymore just shared a surprising perspective on her teenage years. She revealed that going to rehab at 14 was actually the best thing that ever happened to her. The Hollywood star discussed this during a conversation with Mae Martin about troubled teen facilities. Barrymore emphasized that while the experience was incredibly difficult, it ultimately helped her find courage and humor in her journey.

Key Points: Drew Barrymore Calls Teen Rehab Best Thing That Happened

  • Barrymore entered rehab at 14 and spent nearly two years in treatment
  • She found encouragement and humor during her institutional experience
  • The conversation occurred with Mae Martin discussing troubled teen facilities
  • Barrymore now views her rehab journey as transformative and protective
2 min read

Drew Barrymore says going to rehab at 14 was 'best thing that ever happened' to her

Hollywood star opens up about her transformative two-year rehab experience starting at age 14, calling it life-changing despite the challenges.

"It's the best thing that ever happened to me, honestly. And I hold a lot of that sacrosanct. But it wasn't easy. It was hard as hell. - Drew Barrymore"

Los Angeles, Oct 25

Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore has spoken about entering a rehabilitation facility at 14 years old, where she was treated for nearly two years, and tagged it as the “best thing that ever happened” to her.

Barrymore spoke about her experience in rehab during a conversation with Mae Martin on The Drew Barrymore Show, reports people.com.

Martin, created, co-wrote and stars in Wayward, a Netflix mystery series that follows a local police officer's investigation into a local school for troubled teens in an isolated small town.

The show is loosely based on Martin's own experiences, as they recalled on Barrymore's daytime talk show that their childhood friend had entered a similar facility for two years during their teen years.

After Martin, who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, discussed their childhood friend's experience, Barrymore detailed her own time in rehab.

"I also was someone who got taken away and put in a place for two years," Barrymore said.

"I did not know that. I mean, I knew that you were a wayward teen, as was I. I was in rehab and stuff, but I didn't know that you were at one of those places," Martin replied.

Barrymore complimented the nuanced nature of the show's exploration of the troubled teen industry.

"I had a lot of lightness in my experience in the institution. It's a lot of what this show is. I know that sounds wild, but it was like encouragement to say your truth, to be brave, to find humor and heroism in your journey. And it's the best thing that ever happened to me, honestly. And I hold a lot of that sacrosanct. But it wasn't easy. It was hard as hell,” Barrymore said.

Martin said they were 16 when they entered their respective treatment facility.

“And I don’t know about you. but now, as an adult, I feel so protective of young people and having had that experience of being pathologized at a very young age for things that are just kind of… yeah, I think that all went into it,” Martin said.

Wayward is streaming now on Netflix.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
At 14 years old? That's so young! Can't imagine what she must have gone through. But it's inspiring how she turned her life around and now sees it as a positive experience.
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Arjun K
While I appreciate her honesty, I'm concerned about glamorizing rehab experiences. Many people don't have access to quality facilities like celebrities do. The system needs to be more accessible for everyone.
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Sarah B
This conversation is so important! In our Indian society, we often ignore teen mental health issues until they become serious. Early intervention can save lives.
K
Kavya N
Her perspective of finding "humor and heroism" in difficult times is something we can all learn from. Life throws challenges at everyone - it's how we respond that matters. ❤️
M
Michael C
Interesting how she mentions having "lightness" in her experience. Most rehab stories are about trauma, but she found positivity. Shows that healing can happen in different ways for different people.

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