Tatum O’Neal is coming clean about her recent relapse that occurred during a busy news cycle.
While marking her birthday and election night on November 5, 2024, the actress said she began drinking.
“I was with my gay friends, and was like, ‘I’m going to have a glass of wine — maybe two,’” O’Neal, 61, shared with Variety in an interview published Wednesday, February 26. “And then I was like, ‘OK, damn: I have one day of sobriety.’”
While O’Neal attends recovery meetings over Zoom, Variety reported that her sobriety remains a struggle. Her son, Kevin McEnroe, also expressed his wish that his mom gets a full year of sobriety under her belt “because I’m not sure she’s ever felt the kind of peace that comes with that.”
In addition to Kevin, 38, O’Neal also shares son Sean, 37, and daughter Emily, 33, with ex John McEnroe.
Back in May 2020, O’Neal experienced a serious health scare when she overdosed in her Los Angeles apartment, which caused a severe stroke.
According to Variety, the actress was suffering from chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis during the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, she was prescribed morphine by a doctor.
While O’Neal assured fans she loves her children, she remembered not wanting to live anymore.
“I love them so much, but I’d already given so much,” she said. “Part of me just didn’t want to make it, you know?”
During O’Neal’s coma, which lasted six weeks, her son recalled having a conversation with a doctor about his mom’s future. Kevin said he was confident his mom would push through and overcome any health hurdles.
“There’s something in her that you can’t explain — that perseveres through even horrible situations she put herself in,” he said. “She is full of love — and I think that that’s something that she was born with.”
While O’Neal was unable to talk, walk or even see after her coma, she’s continued to make improvements both physically and mentally.
“Now I don’t want to hurt myself,” O’Neal said. “Now I don’t want to f—ing take drugs again — I really don’t.”
As for Kevin, he also sees a difference in his mother after her near-death experience in 2020.
“There’s something that’s happened,” he explained. “Maybe it’s the removal of drugs and alcohol, too, and this feeling that she’s safe and she’s living. And there’s this verve.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Those struggling with substance abuse can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
