Drew Barrymore Feels 'Solitary Confinement' Saved Her From Substance Abuse, Alcoholism

Golden Globe-winning actress Drew Barrymore is one of the few Hollywood A-listers who has openly spoken about her struggles with substance abuse and the problems she faced because of it. The actress recently opened up about how drugs changed her behavior and revealed that solitary confinement saved her from it.

The superstar interviewed Paris Hilton in the latest episode of her talk show “The Drew Barrymore Show” and they talked about how addiction was a big problem for both of them. While speaking about her own experience, Barrymore shared that she started taking drugs and alcohol at a very young age and her mom did not know what to do with her.

“I have to tell you, the people at my place were really good. I mean, I didn't like being thrown in solitary confinement. I will say that I was very rebellious. I started riots there all the time. There was a lot of other kids like me, and my mom just didn't know what to do with me,” People quoted Barrymore, as saying.

The celebrity further stated that her mother checked her into an institution because things got out of control and she started consuming drugs. The “Grey Gardens” actress then revealed that she would not change anything about being thrown into solitary confinement because it saved her life.

“I was doing drugs. I was out of control. She just threw her hands up and threw me in there, not knowing where else to turn to. And that place really did help me and it did save my life, and I actually wouldn't change a thing,” Barrymore said.

The actress previously opened up about the ordeal in a 2015 interview with The Guardian. At the time, Barrymore revealed that she was locked into an institution and always felt really angry without even knowing what she was angry about.

“That’s the thing. I don’t know. And once I really asked myself, ‘What are you angry with?’ I dropped the anger. If you search deep down in me, it’s like, why am I so angry, man? And it’s like, OK, cos my parents weren’t there, who gives a s--t? Lots of people don’t have parents. They were gone, they couldn’t handle any of it, and I get it ,” The Guardian quoted Barrymore, as saying.

Barrymore started her career as a kid in 1978. She became a household name in 1982 when she made an appearance in Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster movie “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” The movie turned out to be a huge success for the actress and since then, she has been a part of various big projects like “Motorama” (1991), “Batman Forever” (1995), “Scream” (1996), “The Wedding Singer” (1998), “Charlie’s Angels” (2000), “50 First Dates” (2004), and “Family Guy” (2005-2013).

She has been nominated for three Golden Globes and won one for “Grey Gardens” in 2009.