Lucy Hale's Decade-Long Journey To Sobriety Was Anything But Easy

The following article contains discussions of eating disorders and substance abuse.

Lucy Hale celebrated Valentine's Day 2023 by marking a different kind of milestone — her one-year sobriety. In a February 14 Instagram post, the "Pretty Little Liars" alum showcased a lavender-coated cake with "1 Year!" adorned on top in yellow frosting, having officially passed the milestone on January 2. "Bear with me, this is an alternative Valentine's Day post," Hale wrote, calling it a "post about self-love and about the greatest thing I've ever done." Although her struggle with alcohol abuse had been kept out of public purview, Hale wrote that she felt it important "to let anyone who is struggling know that you are not alone and you are loved."

With an outpouring of congratulations and support from friends and fans lighting up Hale's comment section, other celebs who have grappled with addiction came forward as well. Demi Lovato, who has their own amply documented sobriety journey, sent a heartfelt message to Hale. "I'm so proud of you sis," the "Sober" singer wrote. "Thank you for being a part of my journey and allowing me to be a part of yours."

Now, Hale is further elaborating on the steps toward her sobriety, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous rollercoaster it was.

In her first interview since sharing her sobriety achievement, Lucy Hale got candid about underlying issues behind her alcohol abuse. On a February 23 episode of "The Diary of a CEO," Hale revealed that she struggled with an eating disorder from her teens through her mid-20s. "It was around that time [starting "Pretty Little Liars"] that... I would step on a scale 30 times a day," Hale said about starring on the Freeform hit series. "I was eating so little it was shocking. It all rooted back to I don't feel like enough." Hale added that the latter was "still a question I'm figuring out."

Hale's issues with alcohol were equally as deeply rooted. From the time she began drinking at age 14, she shared that she's never been "a normal, moderate drinker... I was, like, textbook binge drinker. Blackout." Revealing that she's actually been "working on getting sober" since she was 20, the 33-year-old admitted, "It takes time." Ultimately, after many "emotional rock bottoms," it boiled down to Hale's own resolve to take care of herself. '"January 2, 2022' because I said, 'I deserve more out of this life,'" Hale stated.

Along that theme, Hale also revealed, in January, on the "Broad Ideas with Rachel Bilson" podcast that she now refuses to settle romantically. "Like, a 10 out of 10 in each area. I think that is possible," she said, adding, "I'll die alone before I settle." Preach!

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

If you are struggling with an eating disorder, or know someone who is, help is available. Visit the National Eating Disorders Association website or contact NEDA's Live Helpline at 1-800-931-2237. You can also receive 24/7 Crisis Support via text (send NEDA to 741-741).