Hollywood star Rob Lowe took to Instagram on Monday to celebrate the major achievement of 31 years of sobriety, and he did so by thanking his family for their support.
Lowe Celebrates 31 Years Sober
“Today I have 31 years drug and alcohol free,” Lowe, 57, wrote alongside a photo of him riding a bike on the beach.
“I want to give thanks to everyone walking this path with me, and welcome anyone thinking about joining us; the free and the happy,” he added. “And a big hug to my family for putting up with me!! Xoxo”
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The actor’s son John Owen Lowe, who hit three years of sobriety himself in April, was quick to comment on the post.
“So proud of you, dad,” John wrote. “Love you.”
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Lowe Discusses His Journey To Sobriety
Lowe told Variety that his journey to sobriety began after he missed a call from his mother on May 10, 1990.
“I wasn’t ready until I was ready,” Lowe said. “I was ready when one day back in the days of answering machines my mother called me and I could hear her voice on the answering machine. I didn’t want to pick up because I was really, really hungover and I didn’t want her to know.”
“She was telling me that my grandfather, who I loved, was in critical condition in the hospital and she needed my help. And I didn’t pick up,” he added. “My thought process in that moment was ‘I need to drink a half a bottle of tequila right now so I can go to sleep so I can wake up so I can pick up this phone.'”
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This ended up being Lowe’s rock-bottom moment. He called a counselor the very next day. From there, he began treatment and therapy.
“All of my understanding about life has come from getting sober and being in recovery,” he explained. “The work that you do once you stop whatever it is you’ve been abusing—that’s when the real work begins. And that continues to this day. In many ways, it doesn’t get any easier but it does get more fulfilling.”
Rob Lowe is currently starring in “9-1-1: Lone Star.”
Lowe Helps Others Battling Substance Abuse
These days, when he isn’t acting, Lowe enjoys sharing his experiences with others to help them battle substance abuse.
“Everyone at some point has to come to terms with their own relationship with drugs and alcohol,” he told People Magazine in 2015. “I have learned a few things over the years. Whenever I have an opportunity to share that with people, it’s very fulfilling to do it.”
Many people are congratulating Rob Lowe for his accomplishment and for his inspiration as they travelled similar paths.
Its been 13 years of sobriety from prescription drugs. I really never drank or drink much because of my diabetes. Congratulations on 31 years of sobriety. Hugs back to you and your family.
— SherrieFinch (@SherrieFinch16A) May 10, 2021
I’m at 3.73 years & it’s good to know that if I’m blessed enough to make it to 31 years I’ll look like this ? Congratulations, Mr. Lowe. You were one of my inspirations when I started this journey. Thank you.
— Luke Tyler (@turtlebeach55) May 10, 2021
Even fellow actor Scott Baio sent encouragement.
Keep going, brother! 🙏❤🙌 https://t.co/NyLZI9byuo
— Scott Baio (@ScottBaio) May 11, 2021
Wow. Congratulations, Mr. Lowe. Job well done! pic.twitter.com/bKWdR0og4m
— Animal World USA® (@AnimalWorldUSA) May 11, 2021
We applaud Lowe for sharing his inspiring journey to sobriety with the world.
Congratulations on 31 years sober, Rob Lowe!
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