British model and actress Cara Delevingne has shared personal experiences and practical advice for those just starting their journey to a sober life. This is reported by Wave (RBC-Ukraine), citing Variety. The star, who completed a stint in a rehabilitation center in 2022 and joined a 12-step recovery program, emphasized the importance of support, self-compassion, and letting go of guilt and shame as the primary obstacles to change.

Relying on those who have already traveled this path

According to Delevingne, the first step for anyone trying to overcome alcohol or drug addiction should be reaching out to those who have already navigated this journey. Such people, in her opinion, are better able to understand the challenges a beginner faces and share their own experiences, which reduces the sense of isolation at the start of the process. The actress emphasizes that relying on the proven experience of other community recovery members helps maintain focus during the most difficult periods.

Guilt and shame as the main enemies of sobriety

A key part of her recommendation was a warning about emotional traps. "Guilt and shame are what keep you from getting better, so do everything you can to avoid them. Don't demand too much of yourself. Be reasonable and kind to yourself. Treat yourself with care," Delevingne stated. She is convinced that instead of fighting one's own weaknesses, it is more effective to learn to accept them and treat oneself with compassion, as self-criticism only reinforces addiction.

The admission: "I thought I could quit, I just didn't want to"

The model separately admitted that she used to be overly confident in her ability to give up harmful habits. She repeatedly convinced herself that she could stop for good, but in reality, she was not yet ready. "I always thought I could do it, I just didn't want to. You really have to want it," Delevingne explained, pointing out that sincere internal motivation is more important than a formal intention.

Freedom from the need to hide

Speaking about the results of therapy, Delevingne noted that for a long time, she felt as though she were hiding many things from the people who look up to her. Thanks to changes in her life, she said, she has been able to feel free and be herself without the need to hide behind a mask. In February 2026, she added that sobriety has changed not only her daily routine but also her perception of the world: in recent years, she has begun to feel more carefree and open to life.

Context: the star's public stance

Delevingne's public statements about a sober lifestyle have become part of her broader communication regarding her personal experience: in interviews with glossy magazines, she has also spoken about her relationships and therapy. Her stance consistently connects her professional life with self-work, making her advice relatable to an audience following her career and personal stories.