**Sharon Stone Discusses Her Journey Towards a Drug-Free Life After Near-Fatal Stroke**
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Actress Sharon Stone, best known for her role in *Basic Instinct*, recently shared her compelling decision to live without medication, a significant departure from the advice given by her medical professionals after she suffered a life-threatening stroke in 2001. The 68-year-old star opened up about her experiences during a candid interview with *Variety*, revealing the difficulties she faced in breaking free from dependency on prescribed drugs.
In the early 2000s, Stone was given just a 1% chance of survival after a ruptured vertebral artery led to severe internal bleeding in her brain, a condition that persisted for nine days. This harrowing health scare forced her to take a two-year hiatus from her acting career. Fast forward nearly 25 years, and Stone has decided to make drastic changes in her life, determined to reclaim her sense of self.
“No one thought I would survive, and then when I did, I was told that I could never go off my medications,” Stone recounted. “I just thought, ‘I want my life back.’” The actress described the intense struggle she faced when she decided to stop taking her medications, likening her withdrawal to that of a heroin addict. “I was sick as a frigging dog for four and a half months,” she added, emphasising the physical and emotional toll of her decision.
Despite the medical warnings, Stone has managed to wean herself off the majority of the medication that once dictated her daily routine. In her pursuit of a drug-free lifestyle, she also made the choice to quit smoking marijuana. Stone expressed concerns regarding the potency and additives in today’s cannabis, claiming that modern formulations differ significantly from those of her youth. “When I stopped smoking pot, I also got sick,” she stated. “It’s not like you’re pulling it out of the ground anymore. I had to talk to my neurologist, who pointed out some serious health risks associated with marijuana use.”
Adding another layer to her personal narrative, Stone spoke at the recent ART HOUSE Gala, where she highlighted the impact drug abuse has had on her life. “A lot of my friends are dead,” she declared onstage, urging the audience to be mindful of the distinctions between health and addiction. Her words struck a chord as she recalled her own family experiences; one of her sons had faced challenges with prescription drugs during recovery from a skiing accident.
Stone’s role as a mother has also been a significant theme in her life, having adopted three boys: Roan, 26, Laird, 21, and Quinn, 20. Her dedication to her children became particularly poignant as she reflected on the past two decades, during which she battled severe health issues. “I lost everything,” Stone admitted, touching on the loss of her finances, custody of her child, and her acting career. “I never really got most of it back, but I’ve reached a point where I’m okay with it.”
In the months following her stroke, Stone struggled with societal expectations, especially in the entertainment industry, where she felt forced to conceal the realities of her condition. “I need eight hours of uninterrupted sleep for my brain medication to work so that I don’t have seizures,” she explained. “So I’m considered a disability hire, and because of that, I don’t get hired as often as I would like.”
Over the years, Stone has found strength in sharing her story, aiming to raise awareness about the harsh realities of addiction and health struggles. “I have become more comfortable with publicly saying what’s really happened to me,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of being open about one’s journey.
As she continues her journey towards wellness, Stone remains hopeful. By sharing her experiences, she hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges and to advocate for clearer conversations about health, addiction, and recovery. “I recognise that I’m enough,” she concluded, embodying a spirit of resilience that resonates deeply with fans and followers alike.