Miley Cyrus Embraces Sobriety: Vocal Surgery, Family History, and a Journey to Mental Wellness

Global superstar Miley Cyrus, renowned for her dynamic stage presence and evolving artistry, recently shared a deeply personal revelation: she has been sober for the past six months. This significant lifestyle change, which she discussed on Variety’s The Big Ticket podcast with Marc Malkin, was initially prompted by her vocal cord surgery in November 2019. However, her journey into sobriety soon evolved into a profound exploration of her family’s history, uncovering generational patterns of addiction and mental health challenges that ultimately motivated her to commit to a fully sober life.

The decision to abstain from alcohol and cannabis marks a notable shift for the artist who once openly embraced and even advocated for marijuana use. Her honesty about this transformation not only highlights her personal growth but also contributes to a broader conversation about mental health, self-care, and the pressures faced by individuals, particularly those in the public eye. Miley’s candidness offers an inspiring perspective on navigating complex personal histories and making conscious choices for a healthier future.

The Catalyst: Vocal Surgery Paves the Way for Deeper Reflection

Miley’s initial motivation for sobriety was undeniably practical: the necessity of healing and preserving her voice after a major vocal cord surgery. “At the beginning, it was just about this vocal surgery,” Miley explained on The Big Ticket. This procedure, which took place in late 2019, required an intense recovery period, including several weeks of complete vocal rest. For a singer whose career hinges on her voice, this was a critical time demanding discipline and self-care. It became clear that alcohol and smoking, particularly pot, were counterproductive to her recovery and long-term vocal health.

However, what began as a temporary measure for physical healing quickly led to a more profound period of introspection. The enforced silence and stillness that came with her vocal recovery provided Miley with an unprecedented opportunity to slow down and look inward. It allowed her to escape the usual distractions of her demanding career and social life, creating space for significant personal growth and self-discovery. This quiet period, though challenging, served as a crucial catalyst for her to address deeper issues and embark on a sustainable path to sobriety.

Unearthing Family Roots: A Deeper Look at Addiction and Mental Health

Beyond the immediate need for vocal recovery, Miley’s sobriety journey delved into the intricate tapestry of her family history. This introspection revealed a significant presence of addiction and mental health challenges across generations, prompting her to ask fundamental questions about her own identity and predispositions. She openly discussed how this familial exploration deepened her understanding of herself and solidified her commitment to a sober lifestyle.

Tish Cyrus’s Adoption and Inherited Feelings

A pivotal part of Miley’s self-discovery involved understanding her mother, Tish Cyrus. “I had been thinking a lot about my mother [Tish Cyrus],” Miley shared. “My mom was adopted, and I inherited some of the feelings she had, the abandonment feelings and wanting to prove that you’re wanted and valuable.” This insight into her mother’s past illuminated how unresolved emotional experiences can echo through generations, subtly shaping the psychological landscape of a family. Miley realized that some of her own feelings of needing validation and security might stem from these inherited emotional patterns.

Understanding the impact of adoption and the feelings of abandonment on her mother provided Miley with a compassionate lens through which to view her own struggles. It helped her connect the dots between past traumas and present behaviors, fostering a deeper empathy for both herself and her family. This realization underscored the importance of breaking cyclical patterns and addressing these deep-seated emotional needs directly, rather than through external coping mechanisms.

Billy Ray Cyrus’s Upbringing and Parental Divorce

Miley also explored her father, Billy Ray Cyrus’s, early life. “My dad’s [Billy Ray Cyrus] parents divorced when he was 3, so my dad raised himself,” she revealed. The experience of growing up without a stable parental presence from a young age can lead to significant psychological impacts, including feelings of self-reliance to an extreme, and potentially, challenges with emotional regulation and attachment. This revelation helped Miley understand how her father’s independent spirit and coping mechanisms might have been shaped by his early experiences.

The combination of Tish’s adoption history and Billy Ray’s challenging upbringing painted a clearer picture of the family’s susceptibility to addiction and mental health issues. Miley stated, “I did a lot of family history, which has a lot of addiction and mental health challenges. So just going through that and asking, ‘Why am I the way that I am?’” This profound inquiry allowed her to see that her personal struggles were not isolated incidents but rather part of a larger, intergenerational narrative. By understanding these historical influences, Miley could better comprehend her own inclinations and make informed decisions about her future.

Her journey emphasized the critical role of therapy in this process. “By understanding the past, we understand the present and the future much more clearly. I think therapy is great,” she affirmed. Therapy provided her with the tools and guidance to navigate these complex family dynamics, process inherited traumas, and develop healthier coping strategies. It became an essential component in her path to lasting sobriety and improved mental well-being, helping her to rewrite her own narrative free from the echoes of the past.

Confronting the Past: Miley’s Evolving Perspective on Her Public Image

Miley Cyrus has never shied away from public scrutiny, and her past image as a free-spirited, often rebellious artist, deeply intertwined with drug use, is well-documented. From proudly declaring “I smoke pot” at the 2015 VMAs to her hit song “We Can’t Stop” referencing “dancing on molly and snorting lines in the bathroom,” she has been transparent about her past experiences. However, her recent commitment to sobriety signals a significant evolution, and she approaches her past with a healthy dose of humor and self-awareness.

She humorously recalled one of her past controversial statements: “One of my favorite interviews is when I say, ‘Anyone that smokes weed is a dummy,’ she adds. “That one I love to send to my parents, who are big stoners, every now and then.” This anecdote perfectly illustrates her ability to reflect on her past statements with a lighthearted perspective, acknowledging her growth without denying who she once was. It also highlights the generational differences and personal journeys within her own family, demonstrating that even those closest to her are on their own unique paths.

Her dedication to sobriety is deeply connected to her professional aspirations, particularly after her vocal surgery. “It’s been really important for me over the last year living a sober lifestyle because I really wanted to polish up my craft,” she explained. For a performer whose voice is her primary instrument, maintaining optimal vocal health is paramount. Sobriety directly contributes to this, ensuring her instrument is always in peak condition, allowing her to deliver her best performances and continue evolving as an artist.

The recovery period following her vocal surgery was incredibly challenging, yet transformative. “I had really big vocal surgery in November. I had freaking four weeks where I wasn’t allowed to talk. I was so ripped writing on the whiteboard, yelling at everybody [Laughs]. I had this one big bicep from just yelling at mom and still trying to do meetings.” This period of enforced silence, though frustrating, prepared her for a new kind of discipline and stillness. It taught her patience and how to communicate in non-verbal ways, pushing her creativity and resilience. This experience, though initially daunting, ultimately fostered a deeper appreciation for quiet contemplation and clarity, qualities that she now finds essential in her sober lifestyle.

Embracing a New Identity: Sobriety and Authentic Fun

One common misconception about sobriety, especially for young individuals, is that it strips away one’s ability to be fun or spontaneous. Miley Cyrus confronts this stigma directly, asserting that her sober lifestyle has not diminished her vibrancy or enjoyment of life; instead, it has enhanced it. She challenges the notion that entertainment and excitement must be fueled by substances, demonstrating that true fun stems from within.

“It’s really hard because especially being young, there’s that stigma of ‘you’re no fun.’ It’s like, ‘honey, you can call me a lot of things, but I know that I’m fun,’” Miley articulated. Her statement is a powerful rebuttal to the idea that sobriety equals dullness. She confidently redefines what “fun” means to her, emphasizing that her innate personality and zest for life are not dependent on external substances. This perspective is vital for challenging societal norms that often equate partying with substance use, particularly in youth culture.

For Miley, the most significant benefit of sobriety is the consistent feeling of clarity and readiness. “The thing that I love about it is waking up 100%, 100% of the time. I don’t want to wake up feeling groggy. I want to wake up feeling ready.” This consistent state of alertness and energy is invaluable, especially for someone with a demanding career and a desire to be fully present in every aspect of her life. The ability to approach each day with mental sharpness and physical vitality allows her to be more productive, creative, and engaged, both personally and professionally.

This commitment to feeling “100%” translates into a higher quality of life. Without the fog of hangovers or the lingering effects of substances, Miley is able to fully engage with her work, relationships, and personal pursuits. It empowers her to make more conscious decisions, respond authentically to challenges, and truly savor her achievements. Her experience serves as a testament that sobriety can unlock a more vibrant, authentic, and truly enjoyable way of living.

A Public Journey: Transparency and Inspiration

Miley Cyrus has always been an open book when it comes to her personal struggles and triumphs, and her journey to sobriety is no exception. Her candidness provides a valuable, relatable narrative for her millions of fans and the public at large, demonstrating that personal growth is an ongoing process, even for global celebrities. This transparency is particularly impactful given her past public persona, which often embraced a wild and carefree attitude.

Prior to her recent sobriety announcement, Miley had already been vocal about her past experiences with drugs. As the “We Can’t Stop” singer acknowledged, it was “no secret that I was into partying in my teens and early 20’s. I have not only smoked, but advocated for weed, I’ve experimented with drugs, my biggest song to date is about dancing on molly and snorting lines in the bathroom,” she tweeted in August 2019. This self-awareness and willingness to acknowledge her past actions make her current journey even more compelling. It shows a genuine evolution rather than a sudden, uncharacteristic shift.

Just two months after that tweet, in October 2019, she initially announced that she was sober, declaring it was “the best I’ve ever felt. I’m radiating.” This earlier statement, preceding her vocal surgery, indicated that the seeds of sobriety were already being planted, driven by a desire for improved well-being. The vocal surgery then served as a definitive turning point, solidifying her commitment and prompting deeper introspection.

Her ongoing openness about her sober journey helps demystify the process for others who might be considering a similar path. By sharing her struggles and the benefits she’s experiencing, Miley offers a powerful message of hope and possibility. She illustrates that it is possible to transition from a lifestyle heavily influenced by substances to one rooted in clarity and self-care, without losing one’s identity or passion. Her radiant outlook and renewed focus on her craft serve as an inspiration for many, reinforcing the idea that prioritizing mental and physical health can lead to a more fulfilling and authentic life.

The Broader Impact: Mental Wellness in the Spotlight

Miley Cyrus’s decision to embrace sobriety and openly share her journey extends beyond her personal narrative. It contributes significantly to a growing global conversation about mental health, addiction, and overall wellness, particularly among public figures. In an era where mental health awareness is paramount, the candidness of celebrities like Miley helps to destigmatize these crucial topics and encourage others to seek support.

Her willingness to discuss her family history of addiction and mental health challenges highlights the genetic and environmental factors that can predispose individuals to such struggles. This transparency sheds light on the complex nature of addiction, moving beyond simplistic moral judgments to a more empathetic understanding of underlying causes. By linking her own struggles to generational patterns, Miley encourages a holistic view of mental wellness that considers historical context and family dynamics.

Furthermore, Miley’s assertion that sobriety doesn’t equate to being “no fun” is particularly important for younger generations. It challenges pervasive cultural narratives that often glorify substance use as a prerequisite for social enjoyment or artistic creativity. Her example demonstrates that authentic joy, creativity, and connection can flourish without the need for external stimulants, offering a powerful alternative perspective to her vast young fanbase.

In a world often saturated with curated perfection on social media, Miley’s unfiltered honesty about her journey is refreshing and impactful. It reinforces the idea that true strength lies in vulnerability and self-awareness. Her narrative empowers individuals to prioritize their well-being, seek therapy when needed, and make choices that align with their long-term health goals, regardless of societal pressures or past behaviors. Through her openness, Miley Cyrus continues to be a vocal advocate for mental health, inspiring countless others to embark on their own paths of growth and self-discovery.

Conclusion: A Path of Growth and Authenticity

Miley Cyrus’s journey to sobriety, initially sparked by the necessity of vocal surgery, has evolved into a deeply personal and transformative exploration of her identity, her family history, and her commitment to overall well-being. By confronting her past, understanding generational patterns of addiction and mental health, and embracing therapy, she has forged a path towards a clearer, more authentic existence. Her decision to live sober is not just about abstaining from substances; it’s about making conscious choices for her health, her craft, and her future.

Her transparency about the challenges and profound benefits of sobriety, particularly the joy of “waking up 100%, 100% of the time,” offers a powerful counter-narrative to common stigmas. Miley proves that one can be vibrant, creative, and “fun” without the need for alcohol or drugs, inspiring millions to reconsider their own relationships with substances and prioritize their mental and physical health. As Miley continues to evolve as an artist and an individual, her commitment to a sober lifestyle stands as a testament to her resilience, self-awareness, and unwavering dedication to living a life of purpose and authenticity.