Expert Unveils How Hollywood's Social Culture 'Romanticizes Heavy Drinking'

In Hollywood, where every night is red carpet-ready and high-stakes, there’s one constant accessory that seems to sparkle as much as the stars themselves: a glass in hand.

For actors, producers, and influencers, sipping cocktails at exclusive events or sharing champagne toasts behind the scenes is often seen as part of the Hollywood dream, but does it come at a cost?

Dr. Sarah Church, CEO and Founder of Wholeview Wellness, spoke exclusively with The Blast and is weighing in on the relationship between Hollywood’s social scene and alcohol consumption.

The connection between alcoholism and Hollywood life is a topic that invites both intrigue and concern. Many experts, including Dr. Church, believe that the entertainment industry's unique pressures and high-profile lifestyle can fuel patterns of excessive drinking.

"There is a longstanding connection between alcohol use and Hollywood life," she told The Blast. "The entertainment industry often involves high-pressure situations, irregular schedules including extended stays away from home, and frequent social events where alcohol flows freely. The social culture surrounding Hollywood tends to normalize and even romanticize heavy drinking."

In recent months, Demi Lovato received early substance use, including drinking and using drugs at 13. She also opened up about her struggles with addiction while filming the Disney Channel Original Movie, "Camp Rock."

"Celebrities may also use alcohol as a coping mechanism for dealing with the stress of public scrutiny and the feeling of disconnection from their inner self, which can be created by playing a character and by being mistakenly perceived as that character by others," Dr. Church added. "The disconnection between self and celebrity, and the character they are perceived as, can be very confusing."

Over the years, many celebrities have been open about their alcohol addictions, including Bradley Cooper, who has said alcohol has deeply impacted his relationships. When celebrities open up about their health struggles, it often sparks meaningful conversations among those who share similar concerns.

For those who worry that they or someone close to them may be drinking excessively, there are signs worth paying attention to, says Dr. Church. "You may have already noticed some worrisome signals of problematic drinking," she told The Blast.

While signs of overuse vary from person to person, Dr. Church said certain behaviors can often serve as early indicators, signaling that it might be time to take a closer look.

• Physical Signs: Bloodshot eyes, alcohol on their breath, and slowed or unsteady movements.
• Behavioral Changes: Increased anger, mood swings, secretive behavior (e.g., denying their drinking, hiding liquor or hiding the evidence of drinking such as empty cans or bottles), or not being truthful about where they have been (e.g., hanging out at a local bar or restaurant).
• Memory Lapses: Forgetting conversations they’ve had with you or things they promised to do.
• Tolerance and Withdrawal: Needing more alcohol to achieve the effect (e.g., relaxation or reduction in anger) and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking, which may include shaky hands, headaches, nausea, anxiety, and even seizures.

Tom Holland, known worldwide as Spider-Man, is approaching a milestone—three years alcohol-free this January.

Recently, the star opened up about his sobriety journey, sharing how the decision to quit drinking has transformed various aspects of his life, including an unexpected impact on his golf game.

"One of my favorite things about my sober life is the 9 a.m. tee time with all my friends where I'm fresh as a daisy and I'm dragging them on to the tee box," he said during a recent appearance on "Good Morning America." "I love it. It's been fantastic."

"One of the biggest things I learned after getting sober was how much I could handle and how more capable I am in certain situations," Holland continued. "I think dealing with adversity and being on set—sets are very busy places, they're very stressful—I think back in the day I would have allowed it to stress me out a lot more. But since getting sober, I can really take it in my stride and get on with it and just enjoy everything about my day."

This year, New Year’s resolutions are kicking off early, thanks to a viral TikTok trend known as the “Winter Arc.”

Instead of waiting until January 1, people are embracing goals like working out, eating healthier, or even giving up alcohol starting on October 1. "The Winter Arc challenge is a 90-day trend often seen on TikTok that focuses on personal growth, fitness and goal setting, starting October 1st and ending January 1st," Dr. Church said of the new trend.

"It’s also referred to as the time when people are challenged to prepare for winter’s mental and physical trials," she continued. "It involves setting goals around sleep, exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness to get a head start before most people, who are beginning their New Year's Resolutions on January 1st."

Winter Arc proponents often encourage a reduction in alcohol intake. The benefits of cutting down on alcohol are many and include

• Improved Health: Better sleep, lower blood pressure, weight loss, and reduced risk of cancer.
• Enhanced Psychological Well-being: Improved mood and reduced anxiety.
• Financial Savings: Drinking at bars and restaurants is expensive, as is purchasing wine, beer and liquor. Taking a break in drinking can give your wallet a break, too!

For some, this early jumpstart includes cutting back on or quitting alcohol altogether. But for those who find it challenging to reduce their intake or who experience withdrawal symptoms, it may be an indication of a deeper, more serious issue that requires attention.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).