Eminem is a famous rapper whose songs often reference heavy drug and alcohol use. Those familiar with the artist know he’s struggled with substance abuse in the past. While listening to his lyrics, some may wonder, is Eminem sober today? The answer is yes.

So, how long has Eminem been sober? As of 2024, Eminem is celebrating 16 years of sobriety.

Let’s take a closer look at his struggles with substance abuse and how he managed to get on the path to a successful recovery.

Eminem’s Career: An Overview

Marshall Bruce Mathers III is an American rapper, songwriter and record producer who works under the artist name Eminem. Considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, he’s thought to be the first white rapper to achieve mainstream success.

Eminem grew up with a single mother and a half-brother. The family was poor and moved around frequently before settling in a primarily black neighborhood in Detroit.

At age 14, Eminem started rapping. He spent years recording and performing music without seeing the results he was hoping for. It wasn’t until 1997, when he released his EP, Slim Shady, that the rapper began to see success.

Even before his rise to fame, Eminem struggled with substance abuse, saying: “My addiction didn’t start in my early days when I was coming up. My drug usage started at the beginning of that first album. I didn’t take anything hard until I got famous. I was experimenting. I hadn’t found a drug of choice. Back then, you went on tour and people were just giving you free drugs. I managed it for a little while. And then it just became, I like this s–t too much and I don’t know how to stop.”

Is Eminem Sober?

Throughout the years, the rapper has been addicted to Vicodin, Valium and alcohol.

When did Eminem get sober? Eminem is celebrating 16 years of sobriety, but his road to recovery was a long one with bumps along the way. The rapper described himself as a high-functioning addict and said he could “keep it on the low and keep it together … I was able to downplay my addiction and hide it for a while until it got really bad.”

However, those around him slowly started to notice he had an issue. Eminem recalls doing an interview where he couldn’t answer any questions because he was on so many substances, so his fellow artists had to cover for him.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the breaking point. Shortly after, in 2006, Eminem’s friend and fellow rapper Proof was shot and killed. Losing his friend sent Eminem spiraling. “I literally couldn’t walk for 2 days when that happened, and eventually, my drug use f–kin’ skyrocketed. I had f–kin’ 10 drug dealers at one time that I’m getting my s–t from. Seventy-five to 80 Valiums a night, which is a lot. I don’t know how the f–k I’m still here.”

This was a turning point. Eminem made his first visit to rehab, but a 2007 overdose and another relapse quickly followed it. In 2008, the rapper worked with a rehab counselor to get help and has been sober ever since.

In reflecting on his substance abuse journey, he shared: “When I wrap it up in a nutshell, I realize that all the heaviest drug usage and addiction spanned only about 5 years of my life. It’s crazy for me to think back. It felt like a long time when it was happening, but looking back at it now, it wasn’t that long of a time for my problem to explode as it did.”

What Drove Eminem to Get Help

Ultimately, it took an almost fatal overdose for Eminem to realize he needed to get help. Despite experiencing a relapse shortly after his overdose, the rapper continued to seek professional help so he could get — and stay — sober. But other factors also helped Eminem finally pursue sobriety.

His children inspired him. Eminem’s love for his kids drove him to get sober so he could continue to be in their lives.

Lastly, the rapper found help in a desire to get healthy. He checked into rehab at almost 230 pounds and wanted to get his body back into shape. A newfound love for running allowed him to redirect his focus and energy away from substances to something new. He shared: “So I started running. It gave me a natural endorphin high, but it also helped me sleep, so it was perfect. It’s easy to understand how people replace addiction with exercise. One addiction for another, but one that’s good for them.”

An Example of Hope

In his early career, Eminem’s songs didn’t shy away from promoting heavy drug and alcohol use. Songs such as “Drug Ballad” and “Purple Pills” glamorized substance abuse.

But as the artist went through his addiction issues, he felt comfortable opening up about his experiences through his music. His songs Going Through Changes, Arose and Deja Vu talk about his recovery, his overdose and his struggles to fight his demons.

Eminem has also discussed his story of addiction in interviews. He’s an open book about his struggles and how he made it through to recovery. He even shares his sobriety coin on social media as he passes milestones (such as his latest 16-year mark).

This refreshing transparency sends an essential message to Eminem’s fans. These are often young, impressionable adults who get bombarded with songs, movies and images idealizing drugs and alcohol. So having one of the greatest rappers share another perspective on substance abuse is important.

Eminem reminds his fans that substance abuse can happen to anyone. In fact, it’s estimated that 16.5% of the American population age 12 and older have a substance abuse disorder.

Eminem is a shining example of hope, proving recovery is possible. His story may be the reason someone chooses to finally ask for help. After all, they can see it worked for him.

Addiction Support at Sunlight Recovery

Eminem is a reminder of the powerful impact professional rehabilitation can have on someone’s life. Getting professional help is often the change a person needs to successfully commit to sobriety.

At Sunlight Recovery, our team of experienced, licensed clinical and medical professionals helps patients get back to living a full, healthy life. Contact us now to learn more about our addiction rehabilitation programs.