Chrissy Teigen: “I Was a High-Functioning Alcoholic”

Chrissy Teigen’s sobriety stands as a beacon of personal resolve amid high-profile struggles with alcohol. In a raw end-of-year social media post from Los Angeles on December 28, 2025, the model and author laid bare her history as a “high-functioning alcoholic.” She credited her children with providing the pivotal motivation to quit drinking for good. This candid reflection underscores a journey from hidden dependency to clear-eyed recovery, offering a relatable narrative for many facing similar battles.

The Power of an End-of-Year Confession

Colorful balloons and confetti scattered on the floor, perfect for a festive New Year's celebration.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska www.kaboompics.com via Pexels

Timing matters in personal revelations. Teigen chose December 28, 2025, to share her story, framing it as “looking back to move forward.” This post arrived as 2025 wound down, a moment when reflection dominates social feeds. Her words cut through holiday cheer, highlighting sobriety’s role in true progress. For Teigen, the year’s close prompted unfiltered honesty about her past habits. Such posts resonate in a culture hungry for authentic celebrity accounts of transformation.

Unpacking “High-Functioning Alcoholic”

Asian woman unpacking in a modern kitchen with wooden cabinets and chandelier.
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk via Pexels

Teigen’s self-description as a “high-functioning alcoholic” strikes at a common yet understated issue. This term captures those who maintain careers and appearances while battling addiction privately. In the U.S., alcohol use disorder affects millions, with many fitting this profile, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Teigen’s admission normalizes the struggle, showing how outward success masks inner turmoil. Her openness challenges the stigma, urging others to recognize signs early.

Children as the Ultimate Motivation

Black and white portrait of attentive children looking upwards in a classroom environment.
Photo by Luis Morales Torres via Pexels

Family emerged as Teigen’s anchor. She explicitly thanked her children for giving her “the reason to finally put the bottle down.” This parental drive echoes countless sobriety stories where loved ones spark change. In her post, motherhood’s weight propelled her forward, turning vague intentions into decisive action. Such motivations prove powerful, especially for public figures under constant scrutiny. Teigen’s gratitude highlights how personal stakes elevate sobriety from choice to necessity.

A Los Angeles Spotlight on Recovery

Black and white image of a baseball team huddling on a field under spotlight in Los Angeles, CA.
Photo by Courtney Garner via Pexels

From Los Angeles, CA, Teigen broadcast her milestone. The city, known for its high-pressure entertainment scene, amplifies stories like hers. Hollywood’s culture often glamorizes drinking, making her sobriety declaration countercultural. Posted amid LA’s vibrant year-end vibe, it serves as a grounded reminder of recovery’s realities. Teigen’s location ties her journey to broader West Coast wellness trends, where sobriety gains traction among influencers and stars.

Candid Social Media as a Platform

Smartphone displaying popular social media apps like Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, and Snapchat.
Photo by Bastian Riccardi via Pexels

Teigen leveraged social media for maximum impact. Her end-of-year post delivered raw vulnerability, free of polish. This approach fosters connection, drawing fans into her sobriety arc. Platforms like Instagram now host vital conversations on mental health and addiction. By sharing publicly, Teigen not only processes her path but inspires followers grappling with alcohol’s grip. Her method proves digital spaces can drive real change.

From Reflection to Forward Momentum

Stunning view of Sandton's Momentum Metropolitan building on a clear day.
Photo by Kelly E via Pexels

The post’s theme—”looking back to move forward”—encapsulates Teigen’s mindset. Sobriety demands reckoning with history while eyeing growth. Teigen embodies this balance, using past pain as fuel. In 2026, as her story ripples outward, it spotlights how reflection sustains long-term sobriety. Public endorsements like hers shift perceptions, making recovery feel achievable. Her narrative reinforces that progress stems from honest self-assessment.

Broader Implications for Sobriety Conversations

Low angle view of modern skyscrapers with glass facades reflecting blue sky and clouds.
Photo by SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS via Pexels

Teigen’s words fuel national dialogues on alcohol recovery. With rising awareness of functional addiction, her testimony adds momentum. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes alcohol’s toll on health and families, underscoring stories like Teigen’s urgency. As a mother and media personality, she bridges celebrity and everyday experiences, encouraging others toward sobriety. In 2026, expect her influence to amplify support networks and reduce isolation for those in recovery.

The Lasting Echo of Gratitude

Colorful Art Deco building facade with geometric designs at Glen Echo Park, Maryland.
Photo by Niki Inclan via Pexels

Teigen’s thanks to her children lingers as the post’s emotional core. Gratitude marks a sobriety hallmark, shifting focus from loss to gain. By crediting her family, she models accountability and hope. This element humanizes her, reminding readers that high-profile sobriety journeys mirror ordinary ones. As 2026 unfolds, Teigen’s reflection promises to endure, motivating parents and professionals alike to prioritize clarity over concealment.