Natasha Lyonne Shares Candid Sobriety Relapse Update on Social Media
American actress and Netflix star Natasha Lyonne has publicly revealed that she has experienced a relapse in her sobriety journey after maintaining it for over a decade. The acclaimed performer, known for roles in Orange is the New Black and Russian Doll, took to social media to share her personal struggle, emphasising that recovery is a lifelong process that requires ongoing commitment and honesty.
Public Announcement and Message of Support
On January 24, 2026, Lyonne posted on X (formerly Twitter) with a straightforward message: 'Took my relapse public more to come.' She followed this with a more detailed post, writing: 'Recovery is a lifelong process. Anyone out there struggling, remember you're not alone. Grateful for love & smart feet. Gonna do it for baby Bambo.' The reference to 'baby Bambo' relates to her upcoming film project where she serves as writer and director.
In her extended social media statement, Lyonne offered words of encouragement to others facing similar challenges: 'Stay honest, folks. Sick as our secrets. If no one told ya today, I love you. No matter how far down the scales we have gone, we will see how our experience may help another. Keep going, kiddos. Don't quit before the miracle. Wallpaper your mind with love. Rest is all noise & baloney.'
Long History of Addiction Struggles and Health Complications
Lyonne's relationship with substance abuse has been well-documented throughout her career. In 2006, at age 27, she checked into an in-patient rehabilitation facility for treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. Her struggles have included:
- Arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol
- Treatment for heroin addiction
- Major health complications requiring open-heart surgery in 2012 to correct damage from a serious heart infection related to previous drug use
Reflecting on this period in a 2012 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Lyonne stated: 'Spiralling into addiction is really, really scary. It's weird to talk about. I was definitely as good as dead, you know? A lot of people don't come back.' She acknowledged the support she received, noting that 'people really rallied around me and pulled me up by my bootstraps.'
Evolution of Her Public Approach to Addiction
Over the years, Lyonne's comfort with discussing her addiction journey has evolved significantly. In 2017, she told The Guardian: 'I'm such an open book that I have no problem talking about it and speaking freely, but I've sort of said my piece on the subject. The truth is, at the back of that addiction are feelings that so many of us have, that don't go away.'
She expanded on this perspective, adding: 'Isn't everyone entitled to a moment of existential breakdown in a lifetime? Adulthood is making peace with being kind to oneself when a response to life that's so much more organic and immediate would be to self-destruct.'
Recent Health Battles Beyond Substance Abuse
Lyonne's health challenges have extended beyond drug and alcohol addiction. In 2024, she revealed she was smoking the equivalent of 40 packs of cigarettes daily and attempting to quit vaping after recognising its negative health impacts. She posted on X about this struggle: 'I've quit quitting vaping. Quitting cigarettes was a big enough swing for a while. Pretty sure I'm smoking the equivalent of 40 packs a day now instead of 4. No bueno. Take it from your grandfather, keep your lungs clean, kids.'
When discussing her motivation to quit smoking with People magazine, Lyonne connected it to her creative ambitions: 'I think a lot of it has to do with like I just feel like, you know, I still want to write and direct movies. I still want to get to make more seasons of Poker Face.'
Advocacy for Systemic Change and Reduced Stigma
Responding to praise from fans for her openness about the relapse, Lyonne highlighted the need for broader systemic support: 'We need better systems and to end shame – bill the sacklers & stilettos or something but don't @ me for getting honest.' This comment underscores her belief that addressing addiction requires both personal honesty and structural changes to support those in recovery.
Throughout her career, Lyonne has received significant recognition for her work, including five Emmy Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations. Her willingness to share vulnerable moments from her personal life continues to resonate with audiences facing similar challenges, reinforcing her message that no one struggling with addiction is alone in their journey toward recovery.
