–Bradley Cooper (on choosing sobriety)
The movie “Is This Thing On?” has a lot of people talking about marriage and relationships… it got me thinking about relationships, too, but not the one with a marriage partner; instead, I was thinking about the relationship between Bradley Cooper and Will Arnett.
Bradley Cooper has publicly credited his long-time friend Will Arnett with helping him confront his struggles with drugs and alcohol nearly two decades ago, a moment Cooper says set him on the path to long-term sobriety. Cooper has said that a hard but honest conversation with Arnett in 2004 was a turning point in his life—one that “put me on the path of deciding to change my life.” Cooper called Arnett “the reason” he chose sobriety.
According to Cooper, Arnett’s willingness to speak openly and truthfully about his own struggles made the message hit home. What began as a frank discussion about Cooper’s behavior during a dinner with friends eventually became a wake-up call about his broader issues with alcohol and drug use. “That was the first time I ever realized I had a problem with drugs and alcohol… It changed my entire life.”
Arnett has since expressed pride in how far Cooper has come, noting that seeing his friend “so happy with who you are” has been personally meaningful — a testament to how deep their friendship has grown through honesty and mutual support. Their shared sobriety journey and renewed connection — including discussions on Arnett’s SmartLess podcast — have strengthened their bond even more. “I loved you and wanted you to be OK… it has been awesome seeing you in this place and seeing you comfortable… Nothing has made me happier.”
This relationship and these stories really bring home the AA slogan: I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that I am responsible. And it epitomizes the meaning of The Twelfth Step: Living the Message Beyond Recovery.
The Twelfth Step of AA states: “Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.” This step is often described as the culmination of the recovery journey. The twelfth step moves the individual beyond personal healing and into a life of service, responsibility, and sustained spiritual growth. It transforms recovery from something one has into something one lives.
The first responsibility of the Twelfth Step is to carry the message to other alcoholics. This does not mean preaching or persuading; rather, it means sharing experience, strength, and hope. As Cooper explained, Arnett’s willingness to speak openly and truthfully about his own struggles made the message hit home.
Almost anyone who has been in AA for a while has had the opportunity to practice the twelfth step in some way. I had the privilege, just a couple of days ago, of attending a meeting with a young woman celebrating her 9-year soberversary. A few years back, I brought her to her first meeting in the small New Zealand town where we lived. She had only heard about 12-step meetings from American movies, was nervous, and had no idea what to expect. She cried for most of the meeting and said it was the first time she felt truly at home, that she had found her tribe. (A feeling so many of us share the first time we step into a meeting.) She has since said that she credits me with saving her life. With two years of sobriety under her belt, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer, and has said that had she still been drinking and using drugs, she believes she would be dead. Seven years after her diagnosis, she is thriving! I am grateful beyond measure to have played a small part in her life.
Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide: Resources, Support & Hope
At The Sober Curator, we celebrate the vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle of sobriety—while also recognizing the challenges that can arise when living alcohol- and substance-free. Coping with these challenges alone can feel overwhelming, which is why we believe recovery is best found within a supportive community.
Our ALCOHOL + SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER GUIDE is designed to connect individuals and their loved ones with resources, information, and hope. If you or someone you care about is struggling with alcohol use disorder, substance use disorder, a co-occurring illness, or a behavioral health disorder, we urge you to seek help. Support is available, and persistence in finding the right path can be lifesaving.
For additional resources, we have compiled a Non-Profit Recovery Resource Guide, a Family Resource Guide, an LGBTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide, and a Glossary of Addiction and Recovery Terms. We also have a section dedicated to recovery stories and our nonprofit partner, the Break Free Foundation, which provides scholarships for anyone who cannot afford to attend an inpatient treatment center.
If your life or someone else’s is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call: 988.
And if you are already sober, don’t be afraid to take that risk – to have that hard conversation … you could very well be saving someone’s life!
THE MINDFUL BINGE: Flaked Review – Will Arnett’s Raw Portrayal of Addiction and Recovery – A Psychologist’s Insight
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND: “SMARTLESS” with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett is a podcast that connects and unites people from all walks of life to learn about shared experiences through thoughtful dialogue and organic hilarity. A nice surprise: in each episode of SmartLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What ensues is a genuinely improvised and authentic conversation filled with laughter and newfound knowledge to feed the SmartLess mind.
SOBER POP CULTURE at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.
We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!
Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
