If you’ve followed pop culture for the last few years, you’ve likely heard of Julia Fox. The superstar has made headlines for many reasons, including her breakout role in Uncut Gems, her relationship with rapper Kanye West, her candid interviews, and shocking fashion choices. But lately, the topic on everyone’s mind is Julia Fox on drugs. Let’s take a closer look at this celebrity’s history with substance abuse, how it impacted her and the role mental health has played.
Julia Fox’s Early Career
Julia Fox was born to an Italian mother and an American father in Milan, Italy. She spent her childhood and adolescent years divided between Italy and New York as she struggled to find her place in a broken home. In her younger years, she had many rough periods, including a suicide attempt, a stay in a psychiatric ward, a borderline personality disorder diagnosis, criminal charges for theft and fraud and drug abuse.
Despite all these setbacks, Fox has made a name for herself and become a well-known celebrity. When she was younger, she started as a model. One of the modeling gigs that put her on the map was posing for the last nude edition of Playboy in 2015. After that, she secured modeling work with large brands, including Tiffany & Co., Coach and Diesel.
The model turned to acting in 2019 with her feature film debut in the movie Uncut Gems. Her work in this role led her to be nominated for the Breakthrough Actor Award at the 2019 Gotham Awards.
Julia Fox on Drugs? Her Book Reveals All
In October 2023, the actress and model published her tell-all book, Down the Drain. Perhaps most shocking of all was Fox’s revelation about her harsh past with drug abuse. Until the book’s release, Julia Fox and heroin were not words you’d commonly hear spoken together. However, what the public knew and what was happening behind closed doors were very different.
When Fox appeared on the talk show The View to promote her new book, she shared that she “overdosed so many times she lost count” and that, in one instance, it became a near-death experience. She was just 17 when she almost died.
According to her book, Fox began using marijuana at just 11 years old and tried heroin for the first time at 16. She shared that she knew the drug abuse was bad for her, but she couldn’t stop: “I know I’m flirting with fire, but it’s just too damn good to resist.”
The Journey to Recovery for Fox
In the end, it was losing two close friends to substance abuse that encouraged Fox to get better. She said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, “If I died from opiates, and then I found out they were still using opiates, I’d be so mad from the grave I’d haunt their asses.”
She also highlights the help she gets from Suboxone® to stay sober. Julia Fox’s Suboxone® use isn’t something she shies away from. Suboxone® is a prescription drug used to treat opioid addiction, and Fox shared that it “saved my life, for sure.” Fox even said in one interview, “I do want to talk about the Suboxone®, and I do want to raise awareness because I feel there’s a stigma around these maintenance drugs, but they really do f—ing save lives.”
The last factor that helps her stay sober is her young son. She says her focus on him makes the idea of relapse impossible. “I have tunnel vision. I’m on a mission. I can’t get caught up. It’s not cute. I’m 33. I’ve learned my lesson, believe it or not. It’s just not worth it.”
Julia Fox’s Mental Health Struggles
After going through a traumatic, difficult childhood, Fox struggled with many mental health issues. At 16, she attempted suicide and was placed in a psychiatric ward. It was during this stay that Julia Fox was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. This is also around the same time she started experimenting with heroin and would, just 1 year later, almost die from an overdose.
It’s unclear how Fox’s mental health status is at the moment, but it’s not entirely surprising that she picked up substance abuse while struggling with her mental health. The two often go hand in hand. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, of the 20.3 million adults in the United States with a substance abuse disorder, 37.9% also have a mental illness. This is known as comorbidity or concurrent disorders.
There are many reasons why comorbidity is so common. Individuals struggling with mental health conditions may have lapses in their judgment, which leads them to be tempted by drugs, or they turn to substances to self-medicate through hard times. Whatever the reason, treatment for both disorders is essential to get proper help and make progress toward recovery.
Fox’s Advocacy Makes a Positive Impact
It’s incredibly impactful when someone as famous and influential as Fox steps forward to share experiences with substance abuse. Teenagers and young people worldwide idolize celebrities and look to them for inspiration. When stars come forward to discuss the dangers of drug abuse, they’re helping to spread awareness of the risks associated with drugs.
Perhaps most impressive of all is the actress’ openness about Suboxone®. Fox is helping to educate and generate awareness around this life-saving option.
Recovery From Substance Abuse Addiction Is Possible
Addiction should never be ignored. Without treatment, individuals struggling with substance abuse addiction are leaving themselves at risk for health issues, safety issues and even a possible life-threatening overdose.
The good news is that recovery can happen. Fox is just one example of someone who cut out drugs and has continued to have a successful, happy life. With the proper support, becoming drug-free is a possibility for anyone.
Seek Addiction Treatment at FHE Health
You don’t have to go through the struggles of withdrawal and recovery on your own. Enlisting the help of a professional rehab program helps you recover safely and efficiently. At FHE Health, we know you have unique needs, so you can select from various rehab programs to find the one that works best for you. Contact us today to learn more.
