Jodie Sweetin is recounting a deeply personal moment from her early years, revealing that her first experience getting “blackout” drunk occurred when she was just 14 years old. The incident took place at the 1996 wedding of her Full House co-star Candace Cameron Bure. Sweetin shared the story during a November 20 appearance on The Skinny Confidential podcast, calling the moment “ugly,” “embarrassing,” and a major turning point in her young life.
The actress explained that the event marked the beginning of a long struggle with addiction, fueled more by ADHD and emotional turmoil than by child stardom. Her candid reflection sheds new light on the earliest stages of a battle she has now been winning for 16 years of sobriety.
What Happened
On the podcast, Jodie Sweetin described how a waiter repeatedly refilled her wine glass during the wedding reception. While her mother sat across the room, Sweetin continued drinking until she reached her first blackout episode. She recalled stumbling into an all-white bathroom and realizing how badly things had spiraled.
Despite the humiliation, she said something “clicked,” admitting she felt temporarily numb from her anxiety. By ages 15 and 16, Sweetin was drawn to peer groups who matched her escalating drug and alcohol use. The cancellation of Full House in 1995 intensified her need to escape and self-regulate her emotions.
Quotes and Reactions
“It was awful, and it was ugly, and it was embarrassing, and my mother was horrified,” Sweetin recalled.
She added jokingly,
“There was a lot of red wine, and the bathroom was very white — not a good mix.”
Sweetin emphasized the emotional detachment the moment gave her, saying,
“I didn’t give a st about anything. That feeling is what I kept chasing.**”
She clarified that ADHD played a major role:
“I was looking for a way to make my brain work better.”
Industry peers have long praised Sweetin’s openness about mental health and addiction, calling her a source of strength for young actors navigating fame.
Impact and Long-Term Significance
Sweetin’s revelation adds context to her long history of sobriety and advocacy work. Her story underscores:
the early onset of addiction in young performers
the influence of untreated ADHD
the emotional challenges of career instability after Full House
Her transparency continues to resonate with fans and mental-health communities, especially those confronting teen substance abuse.
What’s Next
Sweetin remains committed to sobriety after 16 years and continues to share her journey through speaking engagements, interviews, and her memoir. She is actively involved in advocacy related to addiction recovery. Additional podcast appearances and media interviews are expected following the strong response to her latest story.
Sources
The Skinny Confidential Podcast
Yahoo Entertainment
Reuters
