In the world of soap operas, drama is expected—passion, betrayal, downfall, redemption. But when the scripts end, some actors find themselves facing real-life storylines far more harrowing than anything ever written.
Addiction has touched the lives of several The Young and the Restless cast members, many of whom struggled quietly before choosing to share their stories. Alcohol and substance abuse are still heavily stigmatized, especially in an industry that demands composure and perfection.
Yet these performers bravely opened up, showing the world that even those who appear the strongest can fall—and rise again.
Here are the stories of five Y&R stars who battled addiction, sought help, and used their experiences to heal—not just themselves, but others, too.
While Eric Braeden (Victor Newman) is best known today for his cancer recovery journey, he has also spoken openly in past interviews about the toll fame, masculinity, and pressure took on him—especially in the earlier years of his career.
Though never explicitly labeling his coping mechanisms as addiction, Braeden acknowledged periods of emotional suppression, aggressive behavior, and denial that, in his own words, “could’ve led somewhere dark.
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