Yahoo News 'Stranger Things' star Jamie Campbell Bower praised for powerful post about addiction
Stranger Things actor Jamie Campbell Bower made things a "little bit less scary" for others in similar positions after opening up about his addiction struggles, a charity has said.
The actor - who stars as Vecna in the Netflix hit - posted a message on Twitter this week saying that he had battled addiction and ended up in hospital over his mental health but had now been clean for more than seven years.
"I promise you there’s a way," he assured others going through the same thing.
Read more: Stranger Things' Millie Bobby Brown 'to set record' with Enola Holmes sequel salary
Nat Travis, from the charity Turning Point, told the BBC how much the star's post could help.
12 and a half years ago I was in active addiction. Hurting myself and those around me who I loved the most. It got so bad that eventually I ended up in a hospital for mental health. I am now 7 1/2 years clean and sober. I have made many mistakes in my life
— Jamie Campbell Bower (@Jamiebower) July 27, 2022
She said someone like the actor speaking out "helps people to identify that it could happen to anybody".
"It makes it that little bit easier and that little bit less scary for other people to come forward and be able to get that help that they need," she added.
Campbell Bower, 33, had told fans on Twitter: "12 and a half years ago I was in active addiction. Hurting myself and those around me who I loved the most. It got so bad that eventually I ended up in a hospital for mental health.
"I am now 7 1/2 years clean and sober. I have made many mistakes in my life."
He went on: "But each day is a chance to start again. Atone for mistakes and grow.
"For anyone who wakes up thinking 'Oh God not again' I promise you there’s a way.
"I’m so grateful to be where I am, I’m so grateful to be sober. I’m so grateful to be."
"Remember, we are all works in progress J x," he added.
The post also impressed fans, who said the actor should be "proud" of himself.
The English actor made his big screen debut in 2007 in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street and also appeared in the Twilight movies.
He also played the young Gellert Grindelwald in the first Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows film and in Fantastic Beats: The Crimes Of Grindelwald.
Read more: Doja Cat hits out at Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp for sharing private messages
He stars as Vecna in the fourth series of Stranger Things.
Watch: Joseph Quinn detained by US Immigration on way to talk show appearance
