We’ve been talking a lot about famous writers and substance use disorder lately. We’d be neglecting our duty if we didn’t mention one of the most famous writers ever, a writer who has also had a pretty famous drug addiction. That author is Stephen King.

We probably don’t need to tell you who Stephen King is. The man has sold millions of books (many in the horror genre) and has made millions of dollars. Many of these books have become movies. King himself appeared in some of these movies as well as on talk shows and in other appearances. He is a celebrity almost as famous as any actor.

In his appearances and his writing, King has also been open about his struggles with substance use disorder. He drank heavily, used large amounts of cocaine, and abused other drugs. He’d frequently pass out and spent less and less time sober each day.

King’s wife, Tabitha, had enough of this behavior. She staged an intervention. She did this in a particularly inventive and dramatic fashion. She gathered friends and relatives to talk with Stephen. She also gathered his drugs, drug paraphernalia, and empty alcohol bottles, placed them in a garbage can, and dumped out the contents of the can in front of Stephen so he could see evidence of what he was doing.

After the intervention and additional help, King became sober and stayed that way. He even kept his sobriety after a serious accident created severe pain for him. He’s still the prolific and popular author he always was.

Stephen King’s story demonstrates the damage that substance use disorder can cause. More importantly, it shows how the support of loved ones can help people find help for such conditions.

King’s story illustrates how substance use disorder is treatable. With treatment, people can return to their lives healthier and more successful than ever.