Chrissy Teigen is drinking again, four years after getting sober. The announcement has sparked conversations about the challenges of maintaining sobriety and the often non-linear path to recovery.
The 39-year-old model quit alcohol in December 2020, after her “doctor and friend” sent her a book on sobriety and Teigen said she was “done with making an a– of myself in front of people” due to alcohol. Her initial sobriety journey inspired many fans who were considering their own relationship with drinking.
However, while promoting her upcoming podcast interview with Holly Whitaker, the author of the book “Quit Like A Woman” which helped Chrissy to get sober, she confessed: “The truth is, I don’t know what I’m doing.” The book has become influential in the modern sobriety movement, offering alternatives to traditional approaches.
Teigen: ‘I let it back into my life’
“Holly Whitaker changed my life, changed my perspective and changed how I view the f—–g beast that is alcohol. But to have to admit to all of you: I let it back into my life. to let a lot of you down, oh I feel it deeply,” Teigen shared. Her candid admission resonates with many who have struggled with maintaining sobriety.
“I was so proud every time one of you told me on the street that Holly and I made you want to rethink drinking, reframe drinking. I still am. The truth is, I don’t know what I’m doing.” This honest reflection highlights the complexity of recovery and the pressure of public accountability.
“I one hundred percent know I like me better sober. I one hundred percent know I get more done, I absolutely feel better in my body without it. And I am one hundred percent p—ed that I can’t be normal and have a cocktail with my husband on vacay without it turning into eight and feeling like s–t.” Many in recovery share this frustration with the inability to moderate alcohol consumption.
“I’m tired of throwing up on a Tuesday. I don’t wanna feel like I need a shot to talk to a crowd. I hate that the thought of maybe having a drink can consume me some days. So, your rational mind is probably like, “OK THEN STOP, B–CH!” and god, do I f—–g AGREE!” This internal struggle illustrates the challenging relationship many have with alcohol.
“All I know is my relationship with the whole process of sobriety (and messing up) has changed for the better. I am deeply aware of where this can go if I let it. I guess my plan right now is to continue to be mindful with it. I can go to a concert sober and have the greatest time ever. I can avoid absinthe at the Ren Faire and be so abbbbsolutely full of joy. Photos of my kid’s birthday parties are no longer me with bleary, sleepy drinking eyes. And I am proud of that. But I still know my relationship with alcohol just isn’t normal and never will be. Thank you for allowing me to figure it out openly in front of you all. Anyhow. This is for all the people who are figuring it out. And to the sober community, god I am still so, so proud of you. Until we meet again.” Her message acknowledges both the progress she’s made and her ongoing challenges.
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Holly shared the post on her own Instagram Stories and wrote: “If you haven’t PLEASE go read Chrissy’s caption about finding her footing in quitting / changing her relationship with alcohol (and then listen to our podcast! Where we talk at length about ‘relapse.’ CT’s experience is so much more reflective of how it goes for most people than our traditional narratives – it’s a process, an ongoing one and our current culture and paradigms do not allow for what Chrissy is talking about. She was brave for talking about her relationship to alcohol in the first place and here she is even more so.” Whitaker’s response reinforces the idea that recovery is rarely a straight line.
Praise for Teigen’s honesty
Teigen‘s honesty has been praised by recovery advocates who emphasize that personal journeys with sobriety often involve multiple attempts. Her willingness to discuss her struggles openly helps reduce the stigma often associated with relapse.
The conversation around Teigen’s disclosure highlights how celebrity voices can shape public understanding of addiction and recovery. By sharing both her successes and setbacks, she provides a more realistic portrait of what sobriety journeys often look like.
Mental health experts note that public figures speaking candidly about their experiences can help others feel less alone in their struggles. Teigen‘s openness about the complexity of her relationship with alcohol offers comfort to those who may also be navigating uncertain paths in their own recovery.
The podcast conversation between Teigen and Whitaker promises to explore these nuances in greater depth, potentially offering insights and support to listeners facing similar challenges. Their discussion represents part of a broader cultural shift toward more honest conversations about substance use and the various paths to wellbeing.
