Some celebrities live in the public eye their entire lives and learn how to handle it, while others turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the stresses of being famous. Some of these celebrities have even lost everything—their careers, their health, and even their loved ones—because of the consequences of their spiraling addictions. These are the top 10 celebrities who had the most destructive spirals in history.
1) Amanda Bynes
Amanda Bynes has had one of the most destructive and fastest spirals in Hollywood. Her career began on Nickelodeon’s All That before she starred in her own series, What I Like About You. In 2007, Amanda was cast to star in a spin-off of The Parent Trap but it never came to fruition due to a lack of interest from viewers. In 2008, Amanda left Hollywood for a few years before returning as an adult actress with small roles in independent films.
2) Britney Spears
Coming from a broken home, Britney Spears’ life was a whirlwind of drugs and unstable relationships. Her first public breakdown came in 2007 when she shaved her head and attacked one of her dancers with an umbrella. One year later, she lost custody of her two children and was subject to regular visits by child welfare officers. In 2008, she checked into rehab for psychiatric treatment after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
3) Robert Downey Jr.
In 2003, Robert Downey Jr. was arrested for possession of heroin, cocaine and an unloaded .357 Magnum. He was sentenced to three years in prison and released on parole after serving only one year. The following year he continued his destructive habits and was sent back to jail where he spent a total of four months. After completing drug rehabilitation in 2006, he has been sober since then and is now worth $200 million.
4) Lindsay Lohan
Lindsay Lohan was one of the most successful child actors in Hollywood, starring in films like Parent Trap, Freaky Friday and Mean Girls. But she soon developed a reputation for partying, drug use and a poor work ethic. In 2007, she was sentenced to 90 days in jail after violating her probation on DUI charges by taking drugs. She spent 85 days in rehab before being released on day parole.
5) Charlie Sheen
His downward spiral began when he was fired from his hit show Two and a Half Men in 2011. He then went on a bender that included partying with porn stars and naming his new tour My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat Is Not an Option after giving a rambling interview to NBC’s Today Show. In 2013, it became public knowledge that Sheen had been diagnosed with HIV, which he most likely contracted through unprotected sex with two women.
6) Shia LaBeouf
Shia LaBeouf has been in and out of rehab for alcohol addiction multiple times. When he’s not going through one of his many destructive spirals, he is starring in various movies and TV shows. He appears to be happier these days, but it’s clear that his addiction has had a huge impact on his life.
7) Macaulay Culkin
Macaulay Culkin is a Hollywood actor who had a very destructive spiral. He was born on August 26th, 1980 in New York City. His mother, Patricia Brentrup, is an actress and his father Kit Culkin was an advertising executive. Macaulay started to act when he was four years old in a Pizza Hut commercial. The next year he appeared in 18 commercials and it was not long before he became one of the most famous child actors of all time.
8) Mischa Barton
Mischa Barton is an actress who has starred in various television shows, including The O.C. as Marissa Cooper and The Beautiful Life as Erin Silver. She was also a Victoria’s Secret model from 2000 to 2002 and had roles in films like The Sixth Sense, Notting Hill, and Scream 4. In 2010, she appeared on Dancing with the Stars.
9) Tara Reid
Tara Reid is known for her roles in films such as American Pie, Josie and The Pussycats, My Boss’s Daughter, and Alone in the Dark. In 2007 she appeared on VH1’s reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew for treatment of alcohol abuse. Following a relapse in 2012, Tara was charged with driving under the influence and possession of cocaine after crashing her car into a light pole on April 25th.
10) Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was one of the most iconic and influential singers in modern history. From her debut album Whitney Houston in 1985 to her final studio album I Look to You released in 2007, she sold over 170 million records worldwide, making her a legendary artist.
