June 27, 2024
Keith Urban, the New Zealand-born Australian country musician, has candidly shared his struggles with alcohol and cocaine addiction and his path to sobriety, profoundly influenced by his relationship with his wife, Nicole Kidman.
In a heartfelt interview with The Times, Urban opened up about his tumultuous early years, the coping mechanisms he adopted, and his ultimate triumph over addiction.
Early Struggles and Coping Mechanisms
Urban's journey to stardom began when he moved from Australia to Nashville in the early '90s. The transition was fraught with challenges as he strove to establish himself in the competitive American music market. By 1999, he had released his self-titled album, marking his breakthrough in the U.S. Despite his rising success, the pressure to perform and succeed led him to heavy alcohol and cocaine use.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Urban revealed the deep-seated roots of his addiction: "My dad was an alcoholic, so I grew up in an alcoholic house and it took me a long time to believe I was wired the same," he explained. This acknowledgment marked the beginning of his journey toward understanding and addressing his addiction.
The Turning Point
Urban's addiction reached a critical point in 1998, prompting him to seek help through rehab. However, his struggle with sobriety continued even after marrying Nicole Kidman in 2006, which led to a subsequent stay at the Betty Ford Center later that year. Urban credited Kidman with providing the support he needed during this turbulent time.
In his Grammy-nominated 2009 album "Defying Gravity," Urban expressed his gratitude to Kidman through the poignant ballad "Thank You." The lyrics of the song vividly depict his dark moments and his appreciation for her unwavering support: "There were nights where I was sure / I wouldn't see the morning sun / And there were days that seemed so dark / I couldn't wait for night to come. I thank you for my life / And I thank god for grace and mercy / And that you became my wife."
Sobriety and Creativity
Urban's journey to sobriety wasn't just about quitting substances; it was about learning a new way to exist in the world. "I just realized I'm allergic to it," he said humorously. "Someone said, 'You have an allergy? What happens when you drink?' And I said, 'I break out in cuffs.'"
Despite his struggles, Urban is thankful that his creativity and musical talent have remained intact. "I'm glad it didn't change anything about my music. I wrote plenty of hit songs while drunk. I wrote plenty sober," he noted. "I feel lucky it hasn't defined my creativity."
California Dreaming
The pair share two daughters, Sunday Rose, 15, and Faith, 13, and doled out $6.85 million in 2008 for a five-bedroom, four-bathroom abode in Hidden Valley and since then a slew of A-listers – including Adele, Katy Perry, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis – have also moved into the exclusive community.
Urban's story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love and support. His openness about his addiction and recovery offers hope and inspiration to many who face similar battles, showing that it is possible to overcome addiction and thrive both personally and professionally.
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