Member-only story
Keith Urban’s Triumph Over Addiction: How LOVE Played a Role in His Recovery
Keith Urban, the New Zealand-born Australian country musician, has candidly shared his struggles with alcohol and cocaine addiction and his path to sobriety, profoundly influenced by his relationship with his wife, Nicole Kidman.
In a heartfelt interview with The Times, Urban opened up about his tumultuous early years, the coping mechanisms he adopted, and his ultimate triumph over addiction.
Early Struggles and Coping Mechanisms
Urban’s journey to stardom began when he moved from Australia to Nashville in the early ’90s. The transition was fraught with challenges as he strove to establish himself in the competitive American music market. By 1999, he had released his self-titled album, marking his breakthrough in the U.S. Despite his rising success, the pressure to perform and succeed led him to heavy alcohol and cocaine use.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Urban revealed the deep-seated roots of his addiction: “My dad was an alcoholic, so I grew up in an alcoholic house and it took me a long time to believe I was wired the same,” he explained. This acknowledgment marked the beginning of his journey toward understanding and addressing his addiction.