Alice Cooper Discusses 43 Years of Sobriety in Memoir

The musician shares his recovery journey to help teenagers understand and avoid the dangers of substance abuse.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Substance Abuse

Alice Cooper Discusses 43 Years of Sobriety in Memoir

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Do you believe long-term sobriety significantly changes how you view your past life choices?

Alice Cooper has maintained 43 years of sobriety following an addiction to cocaine in the early 1980s. The musician, who recently released his memoir, now uses his experiences to discuss substance abuse with teenagers.

Why it matters

Sharing personal journeys of recovery can help reduce the stigma surrounding substance abuse and encourage open, honest conversations. Cooper's commitment to speaking with younger audiences highlights the role of mentorship in long-term wellness.

Cooper reports 43 years of sobriety documented since overcoming a cocaine addiction in the early 1980s. The full impact of his public speaking efforts on youth substance abuse awareness remains an ongoing, informal observation.

The players

Alice Cooper

A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician with 30 studio albums who advocates for substance abuse awareness.

The details

Cooper transitioned away from substance use in the early 1980s after struggling with cocaine dependency. Since achieving recovery, he has leveraged his platform to engage directly with teenagers about the risks of addiction. This approach focuses on sharing personal history to provide perspective for young people navigating similar challenges.

Timeline

  1. Early 1980s: Alice Cooper stopped using drugs and alcohol.

  2. October 8, 2026: Alice Cooper released his memoir, Devil On My Shoulder.

  3. October 19, 2026: Alice Cooper discussed his recovery at an event in Glasgow, Scotland.

  4. Late 2026: Alice Cooper plans to perform six shows in Las Vegas.

Health Landscape

Cooper's narrative aligns with the established trend of artists using personal recovery stories to influence public health discussions. This shift reflects a broader, multi-decade evolution in how high-profile figures address the stigma of substance use in the music industry.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, talking to a primary care physician is a vital first step toward identifying appropriate support resources. Prioritizing open dialogue about health challenges remains an effective way to address potential risks early.

The takeaway

Maintaining long-term recovery often requires a combination of personal commitment and community support. Consider exploring professional counseling or community-based support groups if you are seeking guidance on personal wellness and addiction management.

Further reading

Learn more about local resources for managing recovery in the Substance Abuse section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by 94.7 WCSX.

Live Poll

Do you believe long-term sobriety significantly changes how you view your past life choices?