Flavor Flav is using his platform to remind his followers to be mindful of their loved ones who are on a sobriety journey this holiday season. On November 26, the rapper and reality TV star, 65, posted a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), encouraging people to consider offering non-alcoholic beverage options like mocktails or non-alcoholic beers when celebrating with friends and family.
“Note for the upcoming holiday season, some of us are on a sobriety journey and mocktails or non-alcoholic beer options make a big difference,” Flav wrote, garnering praise from his followers for the thoughtful reminder.
One fan responded, “THIS!!!!! Since my bestie has been sober, I always have stuff to make mocktails for him! And when he joins our family, my family makes them too!!! Love your constant advocacy for folks on their sobriety journeys.” Another added, “Yes, sir! Always make sure to support people on their journey to greatness, no matter what it is.”
Flav’s message comes just weeks after he celebrated a significant personal milestone. In October, the Public Enemy member marked four years of sobriety. He shared a celebratory video on Instagram, saying, “I’m very very proud of me,” reflecting on the achievement with gratitude and pride.
Flavor Flav’s sobriety journey has been well-documented over the years, and he has been vocal about his past struggles with addiction. In a January 2023 appearance on the Off the Record with DJ Akademiks podcast, Flav opened up about the extent of his past drug use, admitting that he had spent up to $2,600 a day for six years on drugs. “That’s how much I spent on drugs,” he said, explaining that during the worst years of his addiction, he was spending close to $1 million annually on substances.
Despite the turmoil, Flav stressed that he was able to keep his addiction hidden from the public eye during those years. “I maintained myself very well,” he said. “I kept it hidden too.” Eventually, Flav made the decision to quit his destructive habits and started his sobriety journey in 2020.
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Reflecting on his journey, he explained, “I guess God wanted me to live. And he knows that I’m a mouthpiece to the world. So, I feel that God let me live through that, so that way, I could teach people about the mistakes that I made. And hopefully, they won’t make them later on in life.”
Flavor Flav has used his experience as a platform to advocate for others struggling with addiction and mental health issues. In honor of World Mental Health Day in October, Flav made headlines by paying for fans’ subscriptions to the BetterHelp therapy app, encouraging people to seek professional help and take care of their mental well-being.
Flav’s ongoing commitment to sobriety and mental health advocacy has earned him widespread respect, with many fans appreciating his openness and transparency about his struggles. By sharing his story and encouraging others to prioritize their health, he continues to serve as an inspiration for those on similar journeys.
As the holiday season approaches, Flav’s reminder about the importance of supporting loved ones in recovery resonates with many, especially as the festivities often involve heavy drinking and social gatherings. His call for mocktail options and awareness around sobriety underscores the significance of creating inclusive and supportive environments for everyone, regardless of their relationship with alcohol or substances.
For those who may be struggling with addiction or need support, Flav’s message serves as a reminder that help is available. If you or someone you know is facing challenges with substance abuse, the SAMHSA helpline is a valuable resource. Call 1-800-662-HELP for confidential support and guidance.
