Rob Lowe was one of the famed “brat pack” from the ’80s. However, he hasn’t let fame, substance abuse, alcohol, or poor career choices derail his career like so many child and young stars do. In fact, Lowe is 33 years sober and still as hot career-wise as he has ever been.
This isn’t to say he didn’t struggle with alcohol, but he has been clean for decades and recently had the opportunity to present his son John Owen Lowe with a very special gift to commemorate his own success in his journey of sobriety.
Rob Lowe was recently on the Drew Barrymore show discussing their shared experiences as child stars that both had substance abuse issues at very young ages. Barrymore said about herself: “You guys have supported each other in amazing things, and I’ve been really honest with my kids who are younger, but they know my story. They know I can’t drink, like it’s just not for me. It doesn’t work for me. They know my pitfalls, and you guys are an incredible family unit that support each other through every high and low – everything.”
If anyone knows a thing or two about drugs and alcohol it’s Barrymore. She was famously drinking and doing other drugs in her early teen years. She emerged out the other side of addiction, and Rob Lowe had this to say about his own journey: “Well, we do and … to be able to share recovery,” Rob said. “You know, you’re in recovery. I’m in recovery. I’ve got 33 years in recovery – changed our lives.”
Rob Lowe gives son sobriety chip for five-years in recovery: 'Proud of you buddy' https://t.co/GY8o3sLxQp
— Fox News (@FoxNews) April 8, 2023
As Lowe and Barrymore continued their conversation, Lowe changed the focus to his son John Owen, who just met a milestone in his recovery. Lowe presented John Owen with his 5-year chip in a touching moment: “Johnny’s got five years. In fact, Johnny’s five-year birthday was on Saturday, and Johnny, I want to give you your five-year chip. I love you, proud of you … proud of you buddy.”
It was a touching moment between father and son that left the usually witty John Owen almost speechless: “Speechless, and I usually have a witty retort,” the 28-year-old writer said. “I don’t have one for that … that was really nice of you.”
Rob Lowe has been instrumental in his son’s recovery, with John Owen often using his dad’s journey as inspiration for his own. In an interview in People in 2022, John said this: “When you consider what [my dad] went through in his 20s, his meteoric rise and some turbulence, and being in the public eye for decades. . . . To come out a family man, a really, really good father, a really, really strong husband, and just a fun, kind guy to be around, that’s the day-to-day example he sets.”
“He never gave up on me,” John Owen explained. “I have a little over three and a half years [of sobriety] now, but when I took my first-year chip, he and I spoke at a [12-step] meeting in front of 200 people. And it was one of the most profound experiences of my life.”
The two are currently starring in their new Netflix show “Unstable”. They are also a great example of what can be achieved with a strong male presence in the home. Rob Lowe controlled his own demons and now with his help his son John Owen is whipping his as well.
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