It can be refreshing when celebrities share beyond their outfits and latest diets. Recently, celebrity power couple Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom shared the details of their sobriety pact. Hearing about their decision to take a break from alcohol reminds the public that celebrities, like ordinary people, can also struggle with making healthy choices.
The Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom Sobriety Pact
Early in 2023, famous pop singer Katy Perry publicly shared that she was making a 3-month sobriety pact with her long-time boyfriend, Orlando Bloom. She was 5 weeks sober when she talked about the pact but didn’t initially reveal her reasons for taking a break from alcohol.
A few weeks later, she finally opened up about her reasons. The motivation was to support Bloom. Katy shared, “We did this because he’s shooting a movie in London right now that’s taking every ounce of his focus, and so I wanted that opportunity to be supportive. It’s really hard to do anything, whether that’s doing a cleanse or a reset, unless your partner’s doing it. So, doing it together makes it so much easier.”
Perry did share that she isn’t a heavy drinker. She prefers to abstain on weekdays, “but on the weekend, I’ll indulge a little bit.” She doesn’t seem to imply any problems with alcohol, saying she doesn’t “really identify with any labels as far as sober or whatever. I love to have my reset moments, especially being 38, balancing the intensity of my career and having a toddler who loves to run.”
So, while the main reason for this pact was her desire to support her partner, she acknowledged that it would also be a great step for her. The couple started the challenge after President’s Day. Perry said, “For me, it was an opportunity to reset. We reset after President’s Day, and it was a great opportunity to just let my body bounce back a little bit.”
So, is Katy Perry sober? The answer right now is no. She ended her sobriety pact after 3 months and returned to her routine of balanced drinking, where she allows herself to indulge on weekends when the desire strikes.
What Is a Sobriety Pact?
What exactly is a sobriety pact? It’s when two or more people agree to remain sober together. A sobriety pact can have a time line (like with Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom), or it can be permanent. The idea of entering sobriety with the support of another person can be very helpful. You have someone sharing the experience with you, including all the challenges of staying sober. Whenever you have a craving or temptation, you know you have someone to call who’ll understand.
The motivation for participating in the pact can be different for everyone. One person may want or need to get sober, while the other simply wants to support their loved one. That was the motivation for Perry. She was seen refusing a drink on an American Idol episode, saying, “I’ve been sober for 5 weeks today. I’ve been doing a pact with my partner, and I want to quit. I can’t cave. I made a promise. Three months.”
Even If It’s Not an Addiction, It’s Worth Considering
So, why would anyone take a sobriety pact with a deadline? If you’re not going sober for life, why bother cutting alcohol off for something as short as 3 months?
Well, there are many benefits to this approach.
First, it can be an opportunity to test your relationship with alcohol. Can you actually take a break from drinking without a problem? If you want to try sobriety but can never make it more than a few days without feeling withdrawal symptoms or succumbing to the temptation, it can be an eye-opener. A person who can’t take a break from alcohol likely has a drinking problem and needs professional help.
Second, as Katy Perry mentioned, it can be a good opportunity to reset and prioritize being healthy. Alcohol is a poison and isn’t good for us. In fact, the CDC says drinking should be limited to one drink per day daily for women and two or less for men. Drinking anything above these guidelines increases health risks and often leaves you feeling physically unwell. So, taking a break from drinking can be an opportunity to allow your body to feel healthy and strong again.
Lastly, a sobriety pact can help you relearn about balance. As with most things in life, alcohol is okay in moderation. If you’re going to drink, you should have a healthy, balanced approach to it. Perry says she doesn’t consider herself sober because she’s “had a pretty good relationship with just finding balance.” If you’ve been drinking heavily lately, staying sober for a short time can help you reset and get back to a balanced moderation.
Power of Having Accountability
A sobriety pact is all about having accountability. It allows you to make a promise to yourself and your pact partner and stick to it. If you can’t stick to the pact, you may realize something about yourself. When someone holds themselves accountable, they can admit their mistakes and improve their behaviors.
Perhaps a sobriety pact is what you or a loved one needs to reexamine their relationship with alcohol. Sometimes, a short pact might turn into a decision to remain sober long-term. Or it can reveal some alcohol use habits you’re uncomfortable with.
Ultimately, trying a sobriety pact can be an excellent opportunity, so consider trying it! It can be a healthy reset and give you some insight into your relationship with alcohol.
Get Alcohol Recovery Support at Sunlight Recovery
If you’re struggling with alcohol use, know that a professional rehab facility can help you find the road to sobriety. At Sunlight Recovery, our team of experienced and licensed clinical and medical professionals is skilled in all areas of drug and alcohol recovery. Don’t let alcohol control your life any longer. Contact us today to see which of our programs can fit your needs.