Rob Lowe Celebrates 25 Years of Sobriety, Tells Addicts "There Is True, Real Hope" to Recover

Actor tells his Twitter followers how grateful he is for the good heath

By Mike Vulpo May 11, 2015 10:35 PMTags
Rob Lowe, Oprah WinfreyOWN

What a special weekend for Rob Lowe.

Yes, The West Wing and Parks and Recreation star was ready to honor his mom for Mother's Day on Sunday. But the 51-year-old actor was also more than prepared to celebrate a major milestone in his health.

"To those struggling with addiction, there is true, real hope," he tweeted Sunday morning. "25 years ago today, I found recovery; and a life of promise. #Grateful"

Lowe's sobriety began with a stint in rehab back in 1990. He later related to Oprah Winfrey that his stay was a life-changing experience.

"I didn't love the fact that I had to go and it was absolutely painful, but I liked the science," he shared on Oprah Prime. "I couldn't have gotten sober without rehab because I needed the science. I needed to [learn about] addiction and what it does to your body and all of the research and the things like that."

He continued, "A lot of people can do it through 12-step programs alone—I wouldn't have been one of them, although I believe in them. I needed to do the work."

The actor, who has been open about his past battle with drugs, also opened up about the disease in his second memoir Love Life. As it turns out, the actor was introduced to alcohol by his father at just five years old.

Christopher Polk/Getty Images

"In a move that I've come to know says so many things about my temperament, I didn't gingerly explore this new beverage with a dainty sip; I took a full swig," he confessed. "I practically chugged it. Although today I know why, then I did not. I remember it tasting both terrible and amazing. Then I vomited all over our living room floor."

Today, Lowe continues to find major success on the big and small screen. He also has a wife and two kids that keep him motivated to stay healthy and thrive.

"To @Sheryllowe61 and all the beautiful, dedicated, supportive and loving mothers out there," he wrote on Twitter. "Thank you and bless you. #LOVE"