New Dad David Arquette Admits: ‘I’m not sober’
After putting together more than two years of sobriety, actor David Arquette has admitted that drinking is a part of his life once again.
Despite having a fiancée in Christina McLarty and a four-month-old baby boy named Charlie West, in addition to a daughter with ex-wife Courtney Cox, Arquette said his new ventures in nightlife have led him astray. He is a partial owner of two Hollywood night spots, Bootsy Bellows and Hooray Henrys.
“I’m not sober. It’s very hard to [work in nightlife and stay sober],” he told RumorFix.com. “That’s probably why I’m not sober. If you want to be sober in nightlife, good luck! Go to a lot of [AA] meetings.”
Drugs and alcohol have been a long-standing problem for Arquette. He revealed to Oprah Winfrey that he stole beer and pot from his father when he was just eight years old. But after splitting from Friends star Cox in October 2010, after 11 years of marriage, Arquette struggled immensely. He told Howard Stern in January of ‘11 that he was “having a nervous breakdown,” which was partially fueled by becoming a “maniac” when he drinks. That same month, he smashed his nose while doing the worm at a Hollywood nightclub and entered rehab when both Cox and his sister held an intervention.
“For me, I used [the separation] in a bad way to act out and shake my world up, because I was heartbroken and I didn’t deal with it [properly],” he said to Ryan Seacrest in April of ‘11. “I dealt with it in the way I had to, because I believe in learning from my mistakes.”
Although he never revealed specifics about his sobriety program, Arquette periodically tweeted updates about his sobriety after leaving treatment. However, he very publicly fell off the wagon in June of ‘13 after reports showed him drinking scotch and partying with strippers in Virginia. Shortly after, he told Howard Stern that he was back to drinking and smoking pot because it made him feel more authentic.
I’m a drinker, so yes, I drink a lot… I was feeling like I wasn’t being that true to myself, like what I enjoy and this and that.-David Arquette
Although it appears Arquette may need to hit rock bottom once again before seeking help, the fact he put together years of sobriety in his most recent attempt to get well speaks to his resilience. If he can renew his commitment to staying sober, his determination and the support of his family could lead to him beating his disease once and for all.
Help is Here: If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, we can help you find the right treatment options for your needs. Call and speak to a recovery advisor today.