In a courageous and deeply personal revelation, acclaimed actress Natasha Lyonne has disclosed that she has experienced a relapse in her long-standing battle with drug addiction, breaking twenty years of hard-won sobriety. The star, widely recognised for her roles in Poker Face, Orange is the New Black, and Russian Doll, had maintained a clean lifestyle since 2006 after undergoing treatment for heroin addiction at a specialised drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre.
A Public Admission on Social Media
On Friday, Lyonne took to the social media platform X to share her struggle with the world, posting a straightforward yet powerful message: "Took my relapse public more to come." This bold move was followed by additional posts where she reflected on the nature of recovery, emphasising that it is indeed a lifelong journey fraught with challenges. "Anyone out there struggling, remember you're not alone. Grateful for love & smart feet," she wrote, extending a hand of solidarity to others facing similar battles.
Finding Motivation in Future Projects
The actress revealed a poignant source of inspiration for reclaiming her sobriety, referencing her upcoming project about hockey player Sophie 'Bambo' Braverman, which she is both writing and directing. Lyonne expressed her determination to stay sober for "Baby Bambo," highlighting how creative endeavours can serve as a powerful motivator in the recovery process. She encouraged honesty among her followers, stating: "Stay honest, folks. Sick as our secrets," and shared uplifting messages of love and perseverance.
Her posts included heartfelt reminders such as: "If no one told ya today, I love you," and "No matter how far down the scales we have gone, we will see how our experience may help another." Lyonne urged others to "Keep going, kiddos. Don't quit before the miracle" and to "Wallpaper your mind with love. Rest is all noise & baloney." When a follower commended her openness, she responded by advocating for better support systems and an end to the stigma surrounding addiction, noting "we need better systems and to end shame."
A History of Candidness About Addiction
This is not the first time Natasha Lyonne has spoken openly about her struggles with substance abuse. In a 2012 interview with Entertainment Weekly, she described the terrifying descent into addiction, recalling: "Spiraling into addiction is really, really scary. I was definitely as good as dead, you know? A lot of people don't come back." She expressed a sense of wariness and humility about her recovery, avoiding pride in her journey. At that time, she also doubted she would ever return to her acting career following her drug use.
Career Resurgence and Acclaim
Defying those doubts, Lyonne made a remarkable comeback in 2013 when she was cast as Nicky Nichols, a former heroin addict, in the critically acclaimed prison drama Orange Is the New Black. Her performance earned widespread praise and an Emmy nomination, showcasing her talent and resilience. In a 2022 New Yorker profile, she confirmed she had remained drug-free since her 2006 rehab stint, though she voiced anxieties about time lost, saying: "I get panicky I won't have enough time. I feel like I already blew so much."
A Distinguished Career Spanning Decades
Natasha Lyonne's career in film and television spans over three decades, beginning with her work as a child actor in the 1980s. She rose to cult fame in the late 1990s through indie favourites like Slums of Beverly Hills and But I'm a Cheerleader, later reaching mainstream audiences with comedies such as American Pie and its sequels. Known for her distinctive gravelly voice and sharp wit, she has recently expanded her influence behind the camera, earning accolades for her writing, directing, and starring roles in projects like Russian Doll.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or other drug use, support is available. For free, confidential advice, information, and counselling, contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline at 1800 250 015, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
