When Did John Mulaney Go to Rehab?
Famous comedian and Saturday Night Live alum John Mulaney has reportedly checked himself into rehab for alcohol and cocaine addiction after a relapse. Mulaney, who is 38, has been battling addiction for decades since he started drinking at the age of 13 before abusing drugs.
The comedian has been open about his relationship with alcohol and drugs and has discussed sobriety in interviews and his own comedy specials. He first became sober at the age of 23 when he stopped drinking and using drugs without the help of a treatment program.
“I drank for attention,” Mulaney said in an interview with Esquire in 2019. “I was really outgoing, and then at 12, I wasn’t. I didn’t know how to act. And then I was drinking, and I was hilarious again.”
Mulaney’s recent relapse is a helpful reminder that sobriety isn’t something you achieve once you stop using drugs or alcohol—it’s a lifelong journey that will involve many obstacles and mistakes. Studies show that the relapse rate for addiction in the first year after quitting is between 40 and 60 percent. Though this number decreases over time, the longer a person stays clean, the more they will have to navigate triggers and life events that can tempt them to use again.
Why Do People Relapse?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), individuals who recover from addiction often experience at least one relapse in their lifetime. This doesn’t mean that their treatment wasn’t effective. Addiction is often classified as a chronic disease that alters brain chemistry over time, making it difficult to break certain behaviors and habits.
When someone develops a tolerance to alcohol or drugs, they may still experience cravings even after detox and rehab. This is why treatment programs offer therapy and counseling—to address not just the body’s physical dependency, but the mental and emotional components of addiction as well. Many individuals use substances as a way to cope with stress or emotional pain, and rehab helps them develop healthier strategies for managing these challenges.
Common Causes of Relapse
Some common relapse triggers include:
- Depression
- Exhaustion
- Social isolation
- Major life events such as divorce or job loss
- Stress or overwhelming emotions
- Being around people or places associated with past substance use
If you have relapsed or feel at risk of relapsing, it’s important to remember that you have not failed. Recovery is a journey, and setbacks can happen. The key is to seek help as soon as possible so you can regain control and continue moving forward.
Why Choose Outpatient Rehab?
The Carter Treatment Center offers outpatient programs designed for individuals who need support for addiction but are unable to check into an inpatient facility. Our structured outpatient programs allow patients to receive intensive treatment while maintaining work and family responsibilities.
We offer tailored treatment plans that include group therapy sessions, individual counseling, and alternative therapy treatments to help patients build long-term coping strategies. Our goal is to provide flexible, effective care that empowers individuals to reclaim their lives.
Contact The Carter Treatment Center today online or call (470) 613-8167 to learn more about our outpatient treatment options in Suwanee and Cumming.
