15 Celebs Who Publicly Battled Alcohol Addictions

ABC news anchor Elizabeth Vargas usually reports on the news, but this week, she is actually in the news. The 20/20 host has checked back into rehab to deal with her ongoing struggles with alcohol and to maintain her sobriety. Anyone who has battled an alcohol addiction knows that it is a daily struggle and that recovery happens every day, all day. There is no start date and no end date when it comes to the recovery process; it's ongoing.

"While on vacation this weekend, I decided to return to a recovery center, " Vargas, 51, told The New York Post's Page Six. "As so many other recovering alcoholics know, overcoming the disease can be a long and incredibly difficult process. I feel I have let myself, my co-workers and most importantly my family down and for that I am ashamed and sorry. I am committed to battling and addressing this debilitating disease and want to thank everyone who has offered their unwavering support during this trying time."

Vargas sought treatment last fall, as well. We applaud her for recognizing when it is time to seek help and she is doing just that.

Vargas is not alone in her struggle, which should provide some sort of cold comfort. There are plenty of celebs who have famously and publicly battled alcohol addictions. 

Here are 15 famous folks who faced and fought this demon.

Johnny Depp

The hunky actor has said that once he quit alcohol, life got better. His issue was not very public.

Steven Tyler

The Aerosmith singer is a rock god and rock gods often indulge. He admitted to succumbing to the glorification of drugs and alcohol and dealing with those consequences.

Ben Affleck

The actor sought treatment in 2001 and his battles haven't negatively impacted his life, success or his family since.

Jamie Lee Curtis

The scream queen had issues with pills and alcohol, but she sought help in1999.

Melanie Griffith

The actress battled repeat alcohol demons in 2000 and 2009.

Anthony Hopkins

The celebrated actor gave up drinking in 1975, when he was a young actor. He stayed on the straight, narrow and sober path!

Michael J. Fox

Before he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, the actor, who cruised to the height of fame in the 1980s with Family Ties and Back to the Future, had issues with alcohol.

Lindsay Lohan

Her alcohol problems killed her career. In the mid-'00s, she had multiple arrests, DUIs and rehab stints. She may have recovered, which is often debatable, given her antics, but her career hasn't.

Robrt Downey Jr.

Since Hollywood loves a comeback, the actor has been the poster boy for overcoming addiction to alcohol and other substances. He is as famous for surviving his addictions as he his for his roles, which is a double-edged sword of sorts.

Ewan McGregor

The Scottish actor gave up drinking in 2000. He once referred to himself as "a functioning alcoholic."

Eminem

The famed rapper endured a drug and alcohol addiction and sought help. He didn't hide this fact in his music.

Mel Gibson

Who could forget his tirade and his rant against cops, which was littered with racist and anti-semitic remarks, during a DUI arrest in 2006? He checked into rehab afterward.

Stephen King

The author dealt with alcoholism early in life and even delivered his mother's eulogy while intoxicated, according to reports. He has since kicked the habit and is one of the world's most respected writers.

Billie Holliday

The jazz singer dealt with the pressures of fame through drinking and eventually died of an alcohol-related illness. Her musical legacy, however, lives on.

Diana Ross

The singer, who was once arrested for DUI, endured a stint in rehab back in 2002.