Do You Need Detox to Get Sober? What Celebrity Sobriety Stories Can Teach Us

Celebrity sobriety stories often make headlines, but the most useful lesson is not which celebrity stopped drinking, went to rehab or celebrated another year sober. It is how different recovery can look from one person to another.

Recent public stories involving Tom Holland, Lucy Hale and Cara Delevingne illustrate three very different experiences with alcohol, drugs and recovery.

Their experiences should not be treated as medical advice. However, comparing them highlights an important distinction for anyone considering sobriety.

Wanting to stop using alcohol or drugs and being medically safe to stop without professional support are not always the same thing.

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Celebrity Recovery Stories Show Different Paths to Sobriety

Public recovery stories can help normalize conversations about alcohol, drugs and treatment. They can also demonstrate why someone else’s path to sobriety should never be used as a medical roadmap.

Tom Holland: Recognizing Alcohol Was Becoming a Problem

Tom Holland, known internationally for playing Spider-Man, has become one of the more visible younger actors discussing sobriety.

Holland has described beginning Dry January in 2022 and discovering that not drinking was considerably more difficult than he expected. What began as a temporary challenge ultimately caused him to reconsider his relationship with alcohol.

Rather than describing one dramatic event that forced him to change, Holland has spoken about recognizing how much he was thinking about alcohol and later deciding that life without drinking was better for him.

His story highlights an important point: someone does not have to experience an overdose, arrest, hospitalization or major crisis before examining their relationship with alcohol.

But his experience should not be interpreted as evidence that everyone who drinks heavily can simply stop on their own. Alcohol withdrawal can become medically dangerous when physical dependence has developed.

Read Tom Holland’s Interview →

Lucy Hale: Recovery Can Be a Long-Term Commitment

Lucy Hale, known for Pretty Little Liars and other television and film roles, has spoken publicly about her decision to stop drinking and the role sobriety has played in her life.

Her public comments offer a different perspective from the idea that recovery is a short-term event.

In 2026, Hale marked four years of sobriety and discussed reaching what she described publicly as a personal “rock bottom” before committing to change.

Stopping substance use is only one milestone. Maintaining recovery may involve years of continued personal change, support and attention to the reasons substance use became problematic.

This distinction matters clinically. Detox addresses the acute withdrawal and stabilization period. It does not replace longer-term addiction treatment, relapse prevention, mental-health care or recovery support.

Read Lucy Hale’s Update →

Cara Delevingne: When Substance Use Becomes a Medical Crisis

Cara Delevingne, the British model and actor, has discussed a much more acute experience involving substance use, medical emergencies and rehabilitation.

Delevingne has previously spoken publicly about entering treatment after concerns surrounding her health and substance use. More recently, she described an episode involving a drug overdose and emergency response.

Her experience represents a very different level of immediate risk from someone simply questioning whether alcohol is interfering with everyday life.

Drug overdoses, loss of consciousness, breathing problems and other acute complications require emergency medical attention.

A person does not need to experience an overdose before substance use deserves attention or treatment.

Read Cara Delevingne’s Interview →

Three recovery stories. Three different paths.

One person may begin questioning alcohol because it is interfering with daily life. Another may recognize that sobriety needs to become a long-term commitment. Another may reach treatment following a serious medical crisis.

None of these experiences can tell another person whether they need medical detox.

Celebrity Sobriety Stories Cannot Tell You Whether You Need Detox

The difference between these public stories leads to the central medical question:

What happens when you stop?

Physical dependence and withdrawal risk are not determined by fame, success, appearance or whether someone’s substance use seems severe enough.

Substance and Pattern of UseWhat is being used, how often, typical amounts and how long use has continued.

Previous WithdrawalPrior severe withdrawal, seizures, delirium tremens or repeated difficulty stopping.

Medical and Mental HealthPhysical conditions, medications and mental-health symptoms that can affect withdrawal risk.

Polysubstance UseUsing multiple substances can create overlapping timelines and additional medical risks.

Do You Need Detox Before Rehab?

Not everyone entering addiction treatment needs medical detox.

Whether detox is appropriate depends on the substance being used, frequency and amount of use, duration of use, previous withdrawal experiences, physical health, mental health and whether multiple substances are involved.

Someone who has developed significant physical dependence on alcohol or benzodiazepines may face potentially serious withdrawal complications if they abruptly stop.

Someone using opioids such as fentanyl may experience a different withdrawal syndrome, but severe symptoms, cravings and reduced tolerance after abstinence can create additional risks.

The safest way to determine whether detox is necessary is through an individualized medical and substance-use assessment.

Medical Detox Is About Withdrawal and Stabilization

Detox is sometimes described simply as getting drugs or alcohol “out of your system.” That description misses the most important purpose of medical detox.

Medical detox focuses on helping someone safely navigate withdrawal and become medically stable enough to continue treatment.

Depending on clinical need, detox may include assessment, medical monitoring, medications, management of withdrawal symptoms, hydration and nutritional support, mental-health evaluation and planning for the next level of care.

Explore Medical Detox Programs in Tennessee →

Withdrawal Risks Depend on the Substance

Different substances produce different withdrawal patterns. The safest level of care depends on the substance involved, the degree of physical dependence, previous withdrawal history and the person’s overall medical and mental-health needs.

Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol withdrawal can become medically serious. Symptoms may include tremors, sweating, anxiety, nausea, insomnia, hallucinations and seizures.

Severe withdrawal can progress to delirium tremens. People with previous withdrawal seizures or heavy prolonged alcohol use should not assume stopping suddenly at home is safe.

Alcohol Detox in Tennessee →

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Benzodiazepines such as Xanax, Klonopin, Ativan and Valium can produce significant physical dependence.

Abrupt discontinuation after dependence develops can cause serious symptoms, including seizures in some circumstances.

Benzodiazepine Detox →

Opioid Withdrawal

Opioid withdrawal can include body aches, sweating, restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and intense cravings.

Reduced tolerance following abstinence can increase overdose risk if someone returns to opioid use.

Opioid Detox in Tennessee →

Fentanyl Withdrawal

People who become dependent on fentanyl may experience substantial withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings.

After abstinence, reduced tolerance can make returning to fentanyl especially dangerous because overdose risk may increase.

Fentanyl Detox in Tennessee →

Cocaine and Methamphetamine Withdrawal

Stopping stimulants can cause exhaustion, sleep disturbance, depressed mood, irritability, anxiety, concentration difficulties and strong cravings.

Mental-health assessment can be particularly important when severe depression, suicidal thoughts or psychosis are present.

Cocaine Detox in Tennessee → Meth Detox in Tennessee →

Polysubstance Withdrawal

Many people entering detox are using more than one substance. Alcohol may be combined with benzodiazepines, or fentanyl with stimulants.

Multiple substances can create different withdrawal timelines and additional medical risks, making professional assessment especially important.

Can You Detox at Home?

Some people can discontinue certain substances without inpatient detox. Others may face significant medical or psychiatric risk.

Attempting to detox at home may be especially concerning when someone has:

Alcohol or Benzo Dependence
Heavy alcohol use or significant benzodiazepine dependence can create potentially serious withdrawal.

Previous Severe Withdrawal
Prior seizures, delirium tremens or severe withdrawal symptoms increase concern.

Multiple Substances
Polysubstance use can make symptoms and timelines harder to predict.

If seizures, severe confusion, loss of consciousness, breathing problems or another medical emergency occurs, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.

How Do You Know If You Need Medical Detox?

There is no single symptom that determines whether someone needs detox.

Healthcare professionals may consider what substances are being used, how frequently they are used, typical amounts, how long use has continued, when the substance was last used, previous attempts to stop, previous withdrawal symptoms, medical history, medications, mental-health concerns and whether multiple substances are involved.

Two people using the same substance can have very different withdrawal experiences. That is why detox recommendations should be individualized.

What Happens During Medical Detox?

At Tennessee Detox Center, the goal of detox is to help clients move through withdrawal and stabilization with appropriate clinical support while preparing for continued recovery.

Assessment

Clinical staff review substance use, medical history, withdrawal history, medications, mental-health concerns and other safety risks.

Stabilization

Symptoms can be monitored and treated while clinicians support hydration, nutrition, rest and medical stability.

Medication Support

Medications may be used when clinically appropriate to support withdrawal management and symptom relief.

Transition Planning

Before detox ends, treatment planning focuses on the next appropriate level of care rather than treating withdrawal as the end of recovery.

How Long Does Detox Take?

There is no universal detox timeline.

Withdrawal can begin within hours for some substances and later for others. Symptoms may peak over several days, while certain physical, sleep-related or psychological symptoms can continue longer.

The timeline depends on the substance used, amount and frequency of use, duration of use, physical health, co-occurring mental-health conditions, medications, polysubstance use and previous withdrawal history.

Someone else’s detox or sobriety experience cannot predict your own withdrawal timeline.

Detox Is the Beginning, Not the End of Recovery

Detox addresses the acute withdrawal period. Addiction treatment addresses the longer recovery process.

Depending on individual needs, someone leaving detox may transition into residential treatment, a partial hospitalization program, intensive outpatient treatment, outpatient therapy, medication treatment or another level of continuing care.

This is another lesson that can be lost in celebrity sobriety coverage: getting sober may be a major milestone, but building and maintaining recovery happens after the substance has left the body.

Not Sure Whether You Need Detox?

You do not have to determine your withdrawal risk from a celebrity story, online checklist or someone else’s recovery experience.

Tennessee Detox Center can help you discuss your substance use, previous withdrawal symptoms, medical concerns and treatment options so you can better understand the safest next step.

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Clinical Sources and Medical Review

This page is educational and does not replace an individualized medical assessment. Withdrawal severity can change quickly, and treatment recommendations should be made by qualified healthcare professionals.

Medical Reviewer

Dr. Vahid Osman, M.D.
Board-Certified Psychiatrist & Addictionologist

Clinical Reviewer

Josh Sprung, L.C.S.W.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Frequently Asked Questions

Does everyone need detox before rehab?

No. Some people can enter addiction treatment without first completing medical detox. Whether detox is necessary depends on the substance being used, physical dependence, withdrawal risk, medical history and previous withdrawal experiences.

How do I know if I need detox?

A professional assessment is the safest way to determine whether detox is appropriate. The assessment may consider what substances you use, how much and how often you use them, previous withdrawal symptoms, medical conditions, mental-health concerns and whether multiple substances are involved.

Can alcohol withdrawal be dangerous?

Yes. Severe alcohol withdrawal can involve seizures, hallucinations, severe confusion and delirium tremens. People with substantial alcohol dependence or a history of complicated withdrawal should seek medical guidance before abruptly stopping alcohol.

Can benzodiazepine withdrawal cause seizures?

Yes. Abruptly discontinuing benzodiazepines after physical dependence has developed can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, including seizures in some circumstances.

Is fentanyl withdrawal the same as alcohol withdrawal?

No. Fentanyl and alcohol produce different withdrawal syndromes and clinical risks. Both can require professional treatment depending on individual circumstances.

Can someone detox from multiple substances?

Yes. Polysubstance withdrawal can be more complicated because different substances can produce different symptoms, timelines and medical risks.

Can I detox at home?

Some people may be able to discontinue certain substances outside an inpatient setting, while others may face significant medical or psychiatric risks. The appropriate setting should be determined through an individualized assessment.

How long does detox take?

There is no universal timeline. Detox length depends on the substance, frequency and duration of use, level of dependence, overall health, other medications and whether multiple substances are involved.

Does detox treat addiction?

Detox primarily addresses acute withdrawal and stabilization. Continued treatment may address cravings, behavioral patterns, mental health, relapse prevention and other factors involved in longer-term recovery.

What happens after detox?

After detox, someone may transition into residential treatment, PHP, IOP, outpatient care, medication treatment or another form of continuing care depending on clinical need.

When should someone seek emergency medical treatment?

Seizures, severe confusion, loss of consciousness, breathing problems, severe hallucinations, suicidal thoughts or other acute medical or psychiatric emergencies require immediate professional attention. Call 911 or seek emergency medical care.

Can I talk to someone before deciding whether I need detox?

Yes. Speaking with an admissions or healthcare professional can help you better understand potential withdrawal risks and available treatment options.

Start Detox in Tennessee With a Safer Plan

If you are worried about what may happen when you stop drinking or using drugs, you do not need to wait for a crisis before asking for help.

Tennessee Detox Center provides medically supervised detox and withdrawal support for people seeking treatment for alcohol, opioids, fentanyl, benzodiazepines and other substances.

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→ Contributors

Medically Reviewed By:

Dr. Vahid Osman, M.D.
Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist

Dr. Vahid Osman is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist and Addictionologist who has extensive experience in skillfully treating patients with mental illness, chemical dependency and developmental disorders. Dr. Osman has trained in Psychiatry in France and in Austin, Texas. Read more.

Clinically Reviewed By:

Josh Sprung, L.C.S.W.
Board Certified Clinical Social Worker

Joshua Sprung serves as a Clinical Reviewer at Tennessee Detox Center, bringing a wealth of expertise to ensure exceptional patient care. Read More

→ Sources

Alcoholics Anonymous. (n.d.). Welcome to AA. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from1 rel=”nofollow external noopener noreferrer”2 https://www.aa.org/
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Trauma and PTSD resources. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.apa.org/topics/ptsd
Associated Press. (n.d.). AP News. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from1 rel=”nofollow external noopener noreferrer”2 https://apnews.com/
Crisis Text Line. (n.d.). Get help now. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.crisistextline.org/
Harvard Kennedy School – Belfer Center. (n.d.). Programs on international security and diplomacy. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.belfercenter.org/
Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma. (n.d.). Training and research for conflict-affected populations. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://hprt-cambridge.org/
International OCD Foundation. (n.d.). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder support and resources. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from 1 rel=”nofollow external noopener noreferrer”2https://iocdf.org/
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. (n.d.). About ISTSS. Retrieved July 29, 2025, from https://www.istss.org/

→ Accreditations & Licenses

The Joint Commission – The Gold Seal of Approval® signifies that Tennessee Detox Center meets or exceeds rigorous performance standards in patient care, safety, and quality. It reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and clinical excellence.

LegitScript Certified – Confirms that Tennessee Detox Center operates in full compliance with laws and regulations, and meets high standards for transparency and accountability in addiction treatment marketing.

BBB Accredited – Demonstrates ethical business practices, commitment to customer satisfaction, and a trusted reputation within the community.

Psychology Today Verified – Indicates that Tennessee Detox Center is listed on Psychology Today, a trusted directory for verified mental health providers and treatment centers.

HIPAA Compliant – Ensures all patient health information (PHI) is protected and managed in accordance with strict federal privacy and data security standards.

ASAM Member – Tennessee Detox Center is a proud member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), reflecting a commitment to science-driven and evidence-based treatment standards.

Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce – Membership signifies active participation in the local community and support for regional growth and civic collaboration.

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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  The entire staff was amazing.   Robert, Destiny, Chelsey, Marshal, Blake, Amanda, Melissa, all the nurses, practitioners, guest speakers, chefs, and anyone I have inadvertently missed not on purpose.   Compassionate is the key word.    Unconditional love to suffering sick patients that aren’t always the easiest to deal with.  Yet they are patient and understanding meeting each of us uniquely where we are at on our journey.   I could not give them any higher praises!
  
 
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  The experience helped me out a lot .  The staff and providers were very friendly and caring  The therapist was very knowledgeable and explained things in a manner that anyone could understand   Highly recommend if you need help getting back on track.
  
 
 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  This place is Amazing the staff goes above and beyond to accommodate any needs that you have. The meetings and group sessions really are effective. I came in with a negative mindset but they really changed that for me. You can be open and upfront with any issues that you have. It’s just an amazing place is all I can say
  
 
 
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   Heather Williams 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Tomorrow marks my 500th day sober and it all began with TN Detox Center. If it hadn't been for the amazing staff and beautiful facility, my journey wouldn't have been the same, for sure. Their patience and kindness, as well as dedication and support, allow for anyone who is ready to heal, a chance to start anew. I would absolutely recommend to anyone looking to beat addiction, and take back their life, to trust that TN Detox is truly the winning choice. I will forever be grateful for my time there and the wonderful staff that got me through it all.
  
 
 
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   Jacob Wassner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  Journey Pure was a life changing and life saving experience from start to finish the medical staff was par to none they made detox as comfortable as anyone could ask for I had to detox from methadone and fentanyl and they were always kind non judgemental everyone is at different points in their recovery and the staff at journey Pure always reassured me that I was going to be ok when people come in at their worste you can leave knowing that you can be your best self again if you want it. This place saved my life though I have been clean since 9/15/2025 and my fiance has been clean since June of 25 we both went to journey Pure and we since have gotten a vehicle a home and are both working in professional establishments I am in car sales and am currently leaning finance life isn't perfect but we are happy and have our confidence back and our family trusts us and wants us around !!!!!! Prayers to all who are still suffering this battle never give up love you all
  
 
 
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   Dusty Ball 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.  ROCK HARD
  
 
 
  
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Do You Need Detox to Get Sober? What Celebrity Sobriety Stories Can Teach Us