9 Models Who Struggle With Substance Abuse and Addiction
Models can be exposed to very adult problems at an early age, which is perhaps why some end up with drug and alcohol problems. These nine models have dealt with severe alcohol and drug abuse problems, and many are not yet sober.
While some of these models might be in denial about their alcohol and drug problems, and others might not admit to the issues, but information on their rehabilitation efforts goes to show just how hard it can be to stop an addiction problem.
1. Drew Barrymore
Actress and model Drew Barrymore worked for Guess in 1993, as well as for other modeling agencies, and now is one of the more identifiable faces for CoverGirl. She started smoking pot at age 10, was addicted to cocaine at 12, and had begun drinking when she was 9, so she has dealt with addictions since she was a child. Barrymore sought help for the first time at age 13, but even now, at age 36, she states she is not completely sober.
2. Jennifer Gimenez
Jennifer Gimenez worked for campaigns for Calvin Klein, Chanel, Prada, and various fashion magazines. Her alcohol issues began around the age of 12 when she was living in the United States. She felt isolated because most of her childhood was spent in Argentina, so drinking was a way to remove herself from that feeling. Around age 13, she added drugs to the mix. She took drugs that included heroin and cocaine. Cocaine was the preferred for Gimenez, who began partaking when she was 18.
3. Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell also had drug abuse problems. The British-born supermodel spent years as an addict of cocaine and alcohol; she said stated she began taking drugs in 1997 after her friend, fashion designer Gianni Versace, was murdered.
4. Janice Dickinson
The world’s first supermodel, Janice Dickinson, admitted to having drug and alcohol addiction problems on the “Celebrity Rehab” television show. At age 55, the model said every shoot and party had plenty of cocaine and alcohol, and she’d work during the day before getting trashed at night.
5. Jael Strauss
“America’s Next Top Model” contestant Jael Strauss was a finalist on the popular television series, so she’s well known to the show’s viewers. The 28-year-old became hooked on methamphetamine, and she was recently on an episode of “Dr. Phil” for an intervention. During her time on America’s Next Top Model in 2007, Strauss claimed she was struggling to cope with the loss of a friend who had passed away from a drug overdose. According to her family, the friend’s death scared her, but it wasn’t enough to make her stop taking drugs.
6. Jaime King
Jaime King, an American actress and model, began using heroin during her first modeling job. Her addiction started at 14; her boyfriend, Davide Sorrenti, a 20-year-old fashion photographer, died from a kidney ailment that was believed to have been brought on by heroin addiction. King also had an addiction to alcohol.
7. Kate Moss
Kate Moss is well known for her role in the early 1990s’ “heroin chic” movement in modeling. In 2005, she faced allegations of heroin and cocaine use, and H&M dropped her as a model after the drug charges. Chanel also dropped her as a model the same year, and Burberry did as well. Moss did not admit to her drug use, though she did check into a treatment center, Meadows Clinic, in Arizona the same year.
8. Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten Dunst sought treatment for the mixing of alcohol and prescription drugs in 2008 after her relationship with Johnny Borrell ended. She has also announced that she does smoke marijuana and thinks the world would be better if everyone did. She claims her treatments were for depression, not hard drug use.
9. Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton is an American heiress, socialite, and model who was charged with cocaine possession and marijuana possession. Hilton claimed the cocaine was not hers, but she was ordered to a complete rehabilitation program by the court.