Jodie Sweetin recently opened up about her early struggles with addiction, detailing a pivotal incident from her childhood. In a podcast episode of “The Skinny Confidential,” the “Full House” star shared her experience of collapsing at the wedding of her friend and co-star, Candace Cameron Bure, in 1996.
Jodie Sweetin’s First Blackout at Candace Cameron Bure’s Wedding
Sweetin, now 43 years old, recounted the evening when she first drank alcohol at the age of 14. At the wedding, she became a “blackout drinker,” with her last memory being around the “M” of the “YMCA” song. After that, she has little recollection of the night, which she described as “awful” and “embarrassing.” Her mother was reportedly horrified by her behavior.
Early Signs of Addiction
Reflecting on the incident, Sweetin admitted that the following day she felt a mix of horror and excitement. “I was like, ‘Oh, that was fun,’” she recalled. By ages 15 and 16, she understood her drinking habits were different from her peers, who often urged her to slow down. Sweetin began seeking out friends who would enable her behaviors, showing early signs of her addiction.
Identity Crisis After “Full House”
After the series concluded, Sweetin faced an identity crisis and turned to stimulants to cope. She felt she had to maintain a façade of sobriety while relying on drugs to manage her mental state. “I knew for a very long time that I was heading down a road where it was either going to be jail, institutions or death,” she said, expressing her awareness of the dangerous path she was on.
- Jodie Sweetin: Full House alum, now 43 years old.
- Candace Cameron Bure: Friend and co-star whose wedding Sweetin attended in 1996.
- First episode of drinking: Age 14 at Bure’s wedding.
- Journey to sobriety: Began in 2008 after 15 years of addiction.
- Significant life change: Sweetin’s first pregnancy influenced her journey to sobriety.
The Road to Sobriety
Sweetin achieved sobriety in 2008, marking a significant turn in her life after years of battling substance abuse. She emphasized the importance of discussing mental health and the necessity of breaking the stigma tied to addiction. “Having that wiring in your brain, something switches on when you’re an alcoholic,” she explained. Sweetin’s commitment to therapy and the right medications has been crucial in her recovery journey.
Today, she remains dedicated to her personal growth and helping others understand the complexities of addiction. Sweetin’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges many face and the importance of seeking help.
