Model, author, and entrepreneur Chrissy Teigen is once again opening up about her ongoing journey with sobriety — this time revealing that she recently relapsed. In an honest and vulnerable message shared with her followers on Instagram, Teigen discussed her personal struggles with alcohol and what she’s learned from her setbacks.
The 39-year-old mother of four used the post to tease the newest episode of her podcast Self-Conscious, released Thursday, May 15, 2025, in which she interviews author and sobriety advocate Holly Whitaker, the founder of Tempest Sobriety School and author of Quit Like a Woman — a book that Teigen credits with changing her relationship with alcohol.
“I Let Alcohol Back In”: Chrissy Gets Candid About Relapse
Chrissy Teigen began her post by acknowledging how hard it was to admit her relapse publicly — not because of embarrassment, but because she didn’t want to disappoint those who had seen her as a source of inspiration.
“Holly Whitaker changed my life, changed my perspective and changed how I view the f—ing beast that is alcohol,” Teigen wrote. “But to have to admit to all of you that I let it back into my life…to let a lot of you down, oh I feel it deeply.”
Teigen explained that she had been anxious about releasing the new podcast episode — not because of Whitaker’s presence, but because the conversation forced her to confront her recent return to drinking. She noted how meaningful it was when people told her in person that she had helped them rethink their drinking habits.
“I was so proud every time one of you told me on the street that Holly and I made you want to rethink drinking, reframe drinking,” she said. “I still am.”
Teigen made it clear that, in her experience, life feels better without alcohol.
“I 100% know I like me better sober. I get more done. I feel better in my body without it.”
But she also acknowledged the frustrating reality that even one drink can quickly escalate into eight. She described how a simple drink with her husband, singer John Legend, while on vacation often spirals into something bigger — leaving her feeling regretful and physically ill the next day.
“I’m tired of throwing up on a Tuesday,” she confessed. “I hate that the thought of maybe having a drink can consume me some days. So your rational mind is probably like, ‘OK THEN STOP, B—!’ and god, do I f—ing AGREE!”
How Her Relationship with Sobriety Has Evolved
Despite her frustration, Teigen pointed out that she has developed a more forgiving and mindful perspective on sobriety over the years. She said she no longer feels the need to completely banish herself when she makes a mistake — instead, she tries to understand the slip and move forward.
“The truth is, I don’t know what I’m doing,” she admitted. “But I do know that I’m figuring it out. Slowly, maybe messily — but with more awareness.”
In her post, Teigen described how she’s learned to find joy without drinking — whether it’s going to a concert sober or skipping absinthe at a Renaissance fair. One of the most meaningful changes for her, she said, was being fully present for family moments.
“Photos of my kid’s birthday parties are no longer me with bleary, sleepy drinking eyes. And I am proud of that,” she wrote. “But I still know my relationship with alcohol just isn’t normal and never will be.”
Support from John Legend and the Sober Community
Her husband, John Legend, commented on the post with a message of support, writing: “Always proud of you.” That single comment echoed the appreciation many followers expressed for her vulnerability and continued honesty.
Teigen concluded her post with words of encouragement for others navigating similar challenges.
“Thank you for allowing me to figure it out openly in front of you all. Anyhow. This is for all the people who are figuring it out. And to the sober community, god I am still so, so proud of you. Until we meet again 😭”
A Look Back: Teigen’s Sobriety Journey Since 2021
Chrissy Teigen first began her journey toward sobriety in late 2020 and publicly committed to it in 2021, following a pattern of heavy drinking that she said left her with poor memories of meaningful moments. One of her key motivations to quit was Whitaker’s Quit Like a Woman, which reexamines how society views drinking, especially among women.
In a July 2022 Instagram post marking one year sober, Teigen reflected on lost memories and why staying alcohol-free felt right:
“Sometimes I get really frustrated looking back on days I should remember way better than I do because of alcohol,” she wrote. “Like when I drank cafe patron and fell asleep while an Outback Steakhouse chef taught me (and my friends) how to make a bloomin’ onion at my house. I wish I was awake for that.”
“While I honestly STILL don’t know if I’ll never have a drink again, I do know I never want to be that way again,” she said at the time. “And for now, none is best.”
A Public Voice for a Personal Journey
Teigen’s transparency has helped others speak more openly about their own relationships with alcohol. By sharing her wins and setbacks alike, she continues to provide a real-world look at what sobriety can look like — not as a straight line, but a series of intentional decisions and sometimes difficult learning moments.
Her podcast, Self-Conscious, is available on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts. In each episode, she invites guests to discuss mental health, shame, personal growth, and the messiness of life — with vulnerability at the core.
Chrissy Teigen’s story is a reminder that sobriety isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey — and it’s okay to share the parts that feel uncomfortable. Her honesty not only destigmatizes relapse but also offers support to anyone who might be questioning their own habits.
