Sophia Michaels
His battle with alcohol dependency
Billy Joel’s journey reveals a heartbreaking reality: he has faced challenges with alcohol dependency. Throughout his life, he sought treatment multiple times to manage his drinking. His initial visit to rehabilitation occurred in 1992, during a troubled period in his marriage to model Christie Brinkley. “Following a breakup, I realized my drinking was excessive,” he shared in an interview with The New York Times Magazine in 2013; however, Brinkley attributes their divorce to his struggles with alcoholism. He returned to rehabilitation in 2005 after suffering severe stomach issues linked to his drinking habits. Moreover, Joel has openly discussed his battle with depression.
“The events of 9/11 plunged me into a profound depression,” Joel recounted. “It was a major blow that still affects me today.” By 2013, he had significantly reduced his alcohol intake, opting for just a glass of wine with meals on rare occasions. By 2021, he successfully eliminated alcohol from his life entirely and embraced sobriety.
“It wasn’t a result of a big AA movement,” Joel clarified to the Los Angeles Times. “I simply reached a point where I was done.” Reflecting on his past, he noted, “Being intoxicated didn’t bring me joy and it often led to more complications.”
If you or someone you know is grappling with addiction, please consult the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
