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Anyone could have guessed that Tommy Lee’s alcohol consumption was excessive. Learn how bad his alcohol addiction had gotten and his thoughts on being sober.
In October 2023, former Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee did a podcast interview, sharing that he’d just achieved 1 year of sobriety. This is a huge accomplishment for Lee, as he’s been famously known for his openly using (and abusing) substances. Tommy Lee’s alcohol consumption was never hidden really well. But few people knew just how bad his substance abuse truly was.
Tommy Lee’s Alcohol Consumption
In a shocking revelation, Lee shared on comedian Bill Maher’s podcast that he used to drink 2 gallons of vodka a day, saying, “Two gallons a day. I swear to you, dude. I swear to God. Gallons. The big handle. Two.”
And alcohol wasn’t Lee’s only vice. Substance abuse and Tommy Lee used to go hand-in-hand. When Lee and bandmate Nikki Sixx were touring and would run out of drugs, he said the response was to do more drugs “quick, faster, louder and harder. We would do this [stuff] all the time. We’d run out of coke, well, let’s shoot some Jack.”
It’s understandable how Lee went down this road. He was part of a rock band and lived the “rock star lifestyle.” In fact, his band was known for indecent behavior and openly consuming excessive amounts of drugs and alcohol.
And once you start heavy substance abuse, it can be hard to stop. Lee shared, “Alcohol is such a fucking weird one too because … it’s easy to fall in love with the way it makes you feel, the way it makes you relax, and then all of a sudden you’re like … I’m drinking two gallons of vodka a day? This is not … you’re trying to kill yourself now.”
Lee left Mötley Crüe in 1999 and reunited with the band in 2004. Despite the distance from performing with the band in the last few decades, his substance abuse didn’t stop. After years of building up a tolerance and an addiction to heavy drinking, stopping probably felt impossible. But it’s possible for everyone, including Lee, who is now sober.
Examining the Health Effects of Heavy Drinking
Heavy alcohol consumption can have an incredibly negative impact on your health and even be life-threatening. Tommy Lee knows this and is shocked that he’s healthy again. Now that he’s sober and healthy, the musician looks back at that time and says, “Back in the day, [my] liver was on crutches and barely functioning.”
Anyone who regularly consumes alcohol should be aware of the potential short-term and long-term consequences.
Some of the side effects of heavy drinking are:
- Addiction
- Alcohol poisoning
- An increase in risky behaviors (unprotected sex, poor decision-making, etc.)
- Death from overconsumption
- Diseases (high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease and digestive problems)
- Increased mental health problems (anxiety, depression, etc.)
- Increased risk of injuries (falls, car accidents, etc.)
- Increased risk of some cancers (breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon and rectum)
- Increased risk of violence
- Learning and memory issues
- Liver failure
- Pregnancy complications and issues (miscarriage, stillbirth, fetal alcohol syndrome)
- Weakened immune system
The CDC defines binge drinking as having more than four (women) or five (men) drinks in a day. A 2022 study found that 23.5% of Americans aged 18 or older reported binge drinking within the past month.
However, Tommy Lee’s drinking was far beyond binge drinking. Lee’s consumption would be described as “heavy drinking” and comes with a high risk of developing many health problems.
Alcohol is a poison and isn’t healthy for the body. An individual can’t sustain drinking heavy amounts for a long time without seeing their health deteriorate.
Tommy Lee’s alcohol consumption should have sent him to the hospital with a variety of health problems. He did struggle with an addiction but hasn’t shared that any other health issues arose.
Lee considers himself lucky to have gotten away with drinking so much without developing health problems. “I pinch myself on a daily basis. I can’t believe that smoking, drinking, all the … fun … that I’ve done, the doctor was like, you’re good. I was like, let me see, is my name on there? … I find that … impossible. This is impossible.”
Tommy Lee has yet to say what inspired him to get sober. And he’s passed the 1-year mark, which is a huge accomplishment. He’s motivated to become healthier and sharing his journey with the world now.
Promoting Awareness of Alcohol Addiction
It takes a brave person to share their struggles and admit to overcoming challenges. Tommy Lee has been in the spotlight for most of his life, and he’s always maintained a persona of being the “bad boy.” So, for him to come out and share that he is sober and was previously addicted is a powerful message for his fans.
When celebrities share their experiences with substance abuse and mental health issues, they help decrease the stigma around these topics. People who look up to Lee might feel inspired to reflect on their drinking and consider getting help.
The more celebrities can speak up about their personal struggles, the more people will understand that it’s normal to go through these challenges. And that change can happen. After all, if a rock star musician who developed a decades-long reputation for abusing drugs and alcohol can do it, why can’t the everyday person?
Addressing the Challenges of Substance Abuse
The good news is that recovery from excessive alcohol intake is possible. However, you have the best chance for success if you seek professional help. Alcohol use disorder is an addiction and a disorder of the brain. Your body and mind work against you, as they’ve become reliant on the very substance that hurts them.
So, it can be incredibly beneficial to reach out for help. Professional rehab clinics can help support and guide you through the entire recovery journey. You don’t have to do this alone. Trying to cut off an addiction while learning how to manage sobriety is a lot for one person to take on. Instead, individuals have the best chance of securing their sobriety when they leverage the skills, knowledge and support of professionals.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment at FHE Health
You don’t have to be drinking 2 gallons of vodka a day to know you have a problem. If you suspect your drinking is problematic, it’s essential to reach out for help. Drinking doesn’t have to rule your life — you can get back to your old healthy self. Contact FHE Health today to learn more about our addiction recovery programs.
