Courtney Stodden, the model and singer who rose to fame as a teenager, has shared a deeply personal update with followers. In a candid Instagram post, they announced they are giving up alcohol as part of a wider effort to heal from past trauma.
Describing alcohol as a 'toxic coping mechanism', Stodden said they consumed their last drink on 15 July. The announcement has renewed attention on their journey through fame, identity, and recovery.
From Controversy to Celebrity
Born Courtney Alexis Stodden on 29 August 1994 in Tacoma, Washington, they first entered the public eye in 2011 when, aged just 16, they married actor Doug Hutchison, who was 51 at the time. The union sparked widespread controversy and media attention, leading to appearances on reality shows such as Couples Therapy and Celebrity Big Brother, according to People.
Though their early fame was largely tabloid-driven, Stodden's later career has shown more focus and range. Since separating from Hutchison, they have pursued work in music, memoir-writing, cosmetics, and digital content creation. They have also been open about experiencing a miscarriage and enduring online bullying, including public harassment by figures such as Chrissy Teigen, which they have addressed candidly in recent years, Page Six reported.
Personal Life and Public Identity
Stodden identifies as non-binary and uses she/they pronouns, having shared their gender identity in April 2021. In terms of relationships, they became engaged to entrepreneur Chris Sheng in 2021, though the relationship ended in mid-2023, according to OK! Magazine. In December 2024, Stodden married film producer Jared Safier.
While exact figures are not confirmed, their estimated net worth is believed to be about US$500,000 (approx. £372,400), owing to their work in music, reality television, beauty ventures and subscription-based platforms. Although Stodden is based in the United States, they have attracted global media attention, including in the UK, due to the high-profile nature of their early fame and public transformation.
Sobriety and a Step Toward Healing
On Instagram, Stodden announced that they had decided to quit drinking. 'Alcohol, I'm breaking up with you', they wrote. They shared that they had used drinking as a way to manage unresolved emotional pain but now felt ready to face that pain with 'clear eyes and real strength'.
In a follow-up video posted three days later, Stodden admitted the early days of sobriety had been emotionally difficult and physically intense, noting they had broken out in hives and felt 'memories crashing in'. They asked followers for understanding and patience as they continue working through trauma in therapy.
Stodden's openness about their mental health and recovery has drawn praise from followers, many of whom have shared their own stories in response. While they have not referenced a specific sobriety programme, their posts suggest a mix of professional support and self-guided healing.
Their recent decision to quit alcohol appears to mark the beginning of a new chapter that prioritises emotional wellbeing, personal growth, and resilience.
With a new marriage, creative projects in progress, and a renewed focus on mental health, Stodden seems poised to move beyond tabloid headlines and step more confidently into the role of advocate and survivor.
