Kelly Osbourne is a British-American television personality, actress, singer, and fashion designer. She was born on October 27, 1984, in London, England. Kelly is the daughter of rock legend Ozzy Osbourne and music manager and TV personality Sharon Osbourne.
Kelly gained widespread recognition through her appearance on the reality television show "The Osbournes," which followed the daily lives of the Osbourne family. Kelly Osbourne has also worked as a singer, releasing albums such as "Shut Up" (2002) and "Sleeping in the Nothing" (2005). In addition to her music and television career, she has been involved in various fashion projects and has appeared as a panelist on the TV show "Fashion Police."
Kelly Osbourne’s history of addiction started at age 13 when she was given a prescription opioid, Vicodin when she got her tonsils removed. In a 2009 interview with People magazine, Kelly noted that she felt more likable when she was on Vicodin. After that, she tried drugs like Klonopin, Xanax and Valium to deal with feelings of depression and anxiety.
In 2002, the Osbourne family moved to L.A. to film a reality show called The Osbournes. Around that time, Kelly started to take drugs again to self-medicate as she found it stressful to have her life on film and to deal with reporters' comments on her weight. Around that time, her brother Jack also sought treatment for an OxyContin addiction, but he has reportedly been sober since he received treatment.
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When Kelly’s parents caught her with prescription drugs at age 19, her parents sent her to a rehab center in Malibu, California, but she did not become sober. Kelly reports that it was because she felt too comfortable there. Before returning to London, she went to rehab again and subsequently described having good and bad months.
In 2008, Kelly moved back to L.A. to film another reality show with her family. Unfortunately, this move and what she describes as L.A.’s easy availability to drugs brought her back to addiction. She even reported repeatedly throwing herself down a flight of stairs in order to get injured so she could get more prescription drugs.
Because of her relapse in 2008, her family and friends insisted that she go back to rehab. During her 30 days in rehab, she learned other ways to cope with anxiety, like sharing her feelings of anxiety with others and taking breaks. The Osbornes also participated in family therapy at this time.
Despite the treatment, Kelly continued to struggle with substance abuse, which led to more time in rehab and one visit in a mental hospital. Kelly’s longest period of sobriety came after she spent time in a sober living facility in 2017. She remained drug-free until the spring of April 2021.
In hopes of offering support to others, she posted the following on Instagram in April 2021:
“I am an addict and had thought that I had enough time under my belt and I could drink like a normal person, and it turns out I cannot and I will never be normal.”
Ozzy Osbourne is reportedly sober after a life of on-and-off substance abuse.
Let’s take a look at the history of Ozzy Osbourne on drugs:
Black Sabbath Era (1970s): During his time with Black Sabbath, Osbourne became known for his excessive alcohol consumption and use of various drugs, including marijuana and cocaine. The heavy metal lifestyle of the 1970s was notorious for substance abuse, and Osbourne was no exception.
Solo Career (1980s): After leaving Black Sabbath in 1979, Osbourne launched a successful solo career. His struggles with addiction continued, and the 1980s were particularly tumultuous. His drug use included not only cocaine but also a variety of prescription drugs.
Bat-Biting Incident (1982): One infamous incident that highlighted Osbourne's erratic behavior was the bat-biting incident during a concert in 1982. He bit the head off a live bat, thinking it was a rubber prop. This incident, fueled by his drug and alcohol use, added to his reputation as a wild and unpredictable figure in the music industry.
Rehab and Health Issues (1980s and 1990s): Osbourne faced several health issues related to his substance abuse, including near-fatal incidents. In 1989, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a neurological disorder. He also had respiratory issues, which were exacerbated by his drug use.
Reality TV and Sobriety (2000s): In the early 2000s, Osbourne's life became the subject of the reality TV show "The Osbournes," which showcased the daily lives of the Osbourne family. The show provided a glimpse into Osbourne's addiction struggles, coinciding with a period of renewed efforts to achieve sobriety.
Continued Struggles and Relapses: Despite periods of sobriety, Osbourne continued to face challenges in maintaining a drug-free lifestyle. There were reports of relapses, including a public admission in 2013 that he had relapsed into drug and alcohol use.
Retirement and Farewell Tour (2010s): Ozzy Osbourne announced his retirement from touring in 2017, planning a farewell tour titled "No More Tours 2." Health issues, including Parkinsons' disease and complications from pneumonia, contributed to this decision. However, Osbourne reports that he is currently sober.
For individuals grappling with a substance use disorder (SUD), experiencing a relapse, as seen in Kelly and Ozzy Osbourne's case, is a not uncommon facet of the treatment journey. Research estimates suggest that 40 to 60% of those undergoing addiction treatment may relapse within the initial year post-treatment. Given the chronic nature of addiction, there exists no definitive cure; however, effective treatment empowers individuals to manage their drug use and reclaim control over their lives. Even post-treatment, those with an SUD are regarded as being in a state of recovery.
The possibility of relapse persists irrespective of the duration of sobriety, as various factors—people, situations, and environments—can act as triggers for individuals contending with substance use challenges. A relapse does not signify treatment failure; instead, it underscores the importance of seeking guidance from a healthcare professional to resume treatment and explore potential modifications or alternative approaches.
Here are some tips on how to minimize the chance of a relapse:
Kelly Osbourne's candid revelation about her relapse in April, shared on Instagram, echoes an ideology embraced by many navigating SUD. Her commitment to sobriety on a daily basis reflects a broader truth within the recovery community: it is an ongoing, one-day-at-a-time journey.
Achieving and maintaining sobriety is far from easy, but well worth it. Here at Avenues we have helped countless individuals with addictions to prescription medicine reclaim their quality of life, and we can help you too!If you or a loved one struggle with an addiction to prescription medications, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery. Our highly qualified and experienced addiction counselors will support and guide you every step of the way on your journey to sobriety. Contact us today to take your first step towards a brighter and addiction-free future.