In the early 1990s, Heather Locklear was a rising star on television’s Melrose Place. The fantastical, romance-laden evening soap tackled a wide range of topics, including substance abuse and mental health. In the decades since, Locklear’s life has followed the same trend as she’s struggled with mental health and addiction challenges — often with the lenses of the paparazzi and the eyes of fans upon her.
Find out more about Heather Locklear’s mental health journey below and how her outlook might impact individuals who are struggling with similar issues.
Heather Locklear’s Rehab and Treatment
The reported number of times Locklear has sought inpatient treatment for substance abuse disorders or mental health issues varies depending on the source. However, an average of just over 20 times is fairly consistent across news sources. Locklear hasn’t tried to hide this fact — in 2018, after being reportedly detained on a psychiatric hold due to substance abuse, the celeb talked about addiction on her social media profile.
While Locklear’s in-and-out relationship with rehab might seem like a plot line from her previous television dramas, it’s actually a common cycle for people who struggle with addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse disorders have a relapse rate between 40% and 60%. That’s in keeping with relapse rates for other chronic diseases, including asthma (50%-70%) and hypertension (50%-70%).
The Burden of Celebrity for Those Who Struggle With Mental Health
Every person who struggles with mental or behavioral health issues, including substance abuse disorders, carries their own baggage. The unique weight you carry, whether it’s stress related to your living situation, PTSD from previous relationships or a physical health concern, impacts your ability to heal and seek long-term wellness and sobriety.
For celebrities like Heather Locklear, being in the spotlight is a potential weight. When you might be photographed any time you leave your home or your actions are fodder for news stories, it adds pressure. Critical news reports and fan reactions can cause someone to fall back on poor coping mechanisms or relapse, for example, and even when celebrities are doing their best to move forward with life, a bad day can turn into a big news story.
For example, after more than 20 admissions for mental health and substance abuse disorder treatment, Locklear was in her 60s and working to move on with a healthy life, including an engagement. In 2023, however, photographers captured a disheveled-looking Locklear acting in a slightly confused or erratic manner. With only the visual evidence, potentially taken out of context, the news cycle was launched: Locklear, said headlines, was off the wagon.
Triggers for Substance Abuse
Locklear’s career and personal life were equally attractive to celebrity news outlets in the ’90s. They recorded her rise to a household name and her personal struggles, many of which may have triggered substance abuse and mental health challenges. Locklear was married to Tommy Lee, the drummer for Motley Crue, for 7 years. She was married to Richie Sambora, the guitarist for Bon Jovi, for 12 years. Both marriages ended in divorce.
In addition to potentially rocky relationships, Locklear has had some minor run-ins with the law. She was stopped for alleged DUI, with prescription medications the potential influence she was driving under. She was also arrested after allegations of domestic violence in 2018. That same year, Locklear was hospitalized due to a potential overdose.
Physical health concerns, the constant weight of the Hollywood spotlight and the general stress of her career may also have been triggers for Locklear’s relapses.
What Has Heather Locklear Said About Addiction and Mental Health?
Locklear has been fairly transparent about her struggles with mental health and addiction — perhaps because she had no choice. Her celebrity status means news outlets are likely to report admissions to hospitals if they’re discovered, after all, and a savvy Hollywood celebrity probably knows it’s best to spin the story before someone else does.
However, that fact doesn’t detract from Locklear’s sincerity in encouraging others to continue to fight. In 2018, she said on Instagram,
“Addiction is … ferocious and will try to take you down. Recovery is the best revenge. Be kind to everyone you meet, your light just might change their path.”
What Does the Future Look Like for Heather Locklear?
Locklear continues to take one step forward at a time. That includes working — she has a 2024 credit for a television movie.
Despite her past struggles with addiction and mental health, Locklear continues to think positively. In 2024, she told People Magazine, “I’ve always loved getting older because it means I’m alive. I’m so grateful. I don’t really give a hoot. I don’t give a hoot about how I look. My parents still love me. My daughter loves me. I feel young. It’s all about perspective.”
Takeaways From Heather Locklear’s Mental Health Story
“It’s all about perspective” is a great takeaway from Locklear’s personal mental health and addiction story. The celeb has lived many highs and lows over the years, and some of the situations leading to the lows may feel familiar to individuals caught in their own struggles.
Despite the ups and downs, Locklear continues to fight for her own mental health and wellness. That includes literally looking on the bright side, even in scenarios where others might see a lot of negatives. Being willing to admit her struggles and seek health has been a strength for Locklear as she balances sober living with the stress of life in Hollywood.
Get Help With Your Own Challenges Today
If you learn anything from Heather Locklear’s story, let it be this: There’s no bad time to seek addiction or mental health treatment. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, depression, anxiety or other mental health issues, Restore Mental Health can help. Contact us today online or by calling our caring staff to discuss your concerns and find out about next steps in seeking wellness.
