Jodie Sweetin instantly captured the hearts of Americans as 5-year ‘Stephanie Tanner’ on the hit show Full House in 1987. The show went on for 8 successful seasons, during which Primetime TV viewers had a front row seat to watch Sweetin and her on-screen sisters Candace Cameron Bure, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen grow up.
But when the cameras stopped rolling, most weren’t aware of the difficulties that the actress faced in her late teens and early adult years. In a recent episode on The Skinny Confidential Podcast, Jodie Sweetin opened up about her previous addiction.
“I did not think I would live to see my 30th birthday at the way things were going in my mid-twenties,” the actress admits. “The point for me was to go too far,” she continues.
Her Social Media fans could not be more grateful for her using her forum in this way: “Thank you so much for this open, honest and real conversation about your lived experience, @jodiesweetin. Conversations like these normalize the strength it takes to get help💙” one viewer shared. “Jodie was always one of my favorites to watch growing up and as an adult seeing her activism and strength, love her even more!!,” commented another.
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Sweetin tells how when Full House aired its final episode she had an identity crisis. At just 14 years old, she didn’t know who she was or how to process the major change in her life, and turned to drugs and alcohol.
Sadly, this scenario is not a story that is unique to Sweetin. Many child-stars fall victim to addiction, and hearing Sweetin share her story is extremely inspiring. Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie and Robert Downey Jr. are just a few others who have spoken openly about their struggles with addiction.
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The actress has not only maintained her sobriety since 2011, but she is a certified addiction coach and counselor, working tirelessly to help others who are facing the same difficulties she did. Sweetin isn’t just sharing her story through Podcasts and interviews. She also published a memoir, Unsweetined in 2009, and released her narration of the audiobook this summer.
By sharing her struggles openly, Sweetin serves as a reminder that speaking openly, seeking help, and connecting with the community can help others find strength they didn’t know they had.
Related: Jodie Sweetin Reveals What Terrified John Stamos in Memorable ‘Full House’ Episode
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.