Chrissy Teigen, the model, cookbook author, and podcast host, shared a powerful Instagram update on January 27, 2026, announcing her 52 days of sobriety after a relapse. She openly praised Carl Radke, the Summer House star known for his own sobriety journey, for sparking this renewed commitment. Teigen emphasized there’s “no turning back,” highlighting how Radke’s honesty helped her navigate anxiety and motherhood without alcohol.
This moment resonates deeply in celebrity culture, where public figures like Teigen use their platforms to normalize sobriety discussions. Her post not only celebrates personal growth but also spotlights the “contagious” impact of shared stories, as Radke himself describes it.
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Background on Chrissy Teigen’s Sobriety Journey
Teigen first quit drinking in 2021 after years of subtle, steady consumption that didn’t disrupt her life overtly as a mother of four with husband John Legend. She described her style as non-disruptive—enjoying wine on date nights or toasts at birthdays—but recognized its toll. After over a year sober, she relapsed in 2025, convincing herself it would be “mindful” drinking.
The relapse stemmed from a desire for normalcy amid her busy life, including judging the Star Search revival. However, a January 15, 2026, podcast episode changed everything. Teigen reflected on missing the freedom to run errands buzzed but realized sobriety allowed her to stay funny, nervous, and authentic without it.
Teigen’s openness contrasts with her past, like a memorable Adderall-fueled microwave incident she shared lightheartedly. Now, at 40, she’s embracing clarity, proving sobriety enhances rather than diminishes her vibrant personality.
The Pivotal Podcast with Carl Radke
On episode 40 of her podcast “Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen,” aired January 16, 2026, Radke opened up in a raw conversation about addiction, identity, and five years sober. The Summer House alum, 41, detailed hitting rock bottom multiple times, fueled by alcohol and cocaine to maintain his “fun one” party persona on Bravo. His sobriety began in 2021 after his brother’s tragic overdose.
Teigen credited this chat directly: “After speaking with Carl, I decided to stop drinking again.” Discussing Star Search, she vowed no alcohol in her dressing room, a promise solidifying her resolve. Radke’s story of public sharing being “contagious” for growth mirrored Teigen’s experience, turning vulnerability into motivation.
Radke commented on her post: “Thank you, Chrissy. Your honesty… is inspiring… We’re in this together. Keep Going!” This exchange underscores celebrity friendships fueling real change.
Carl Radke’s Influence and Sobriety Story
Radke’s Bravo fame from Summer House evolved from party boy to sobriety advocate post-2021. Losing his brother to an overdose was the catalyst, leading to five years sober by January 2026. He shared how sobriety rebuilt his stability, emphasizing candidness over performance.
Teigen called him entertaining and honest, admiring his navigation of anxiety without substances. Their podcast delved into pressures of fame, with Radke admitting behind-the-scenes struggles. His message: Sobriety lets you be “wildly nervous” yet resilient—echoed in Teigen’s post.
This isn’t Radke’s first inspiration role; his openness has helped fans, now extending to Teigen.
Teigen’s Instagram Post Breakdown
Posted January 27, Teigen wrote: “I am thankful to @carlradke… for his candidness regarding his own sobriety journey.” She detailed relapse, podcast pivot, and 52-day triumph: “Turns out, without it, I can still be funny. Still be stupid. Still be wildly nervous… And I can get through it all without it.”
The post garnered support, blending humor with raw emotion. Teigen tied it to Star Search, refusing alcohol on set. No desire to revert marks her strongest stance yet.
Sobriety in Celebrity Culture
Teigen and Radke join figures like Bradley Cooper and Anna Faris in destigmatizing sobriety. Public relapses, like Teigen’s, humanize stars, showing recovery’s nonlinearity. Podcasts like “Self-Conscious” amplify this, making sobriety accessible.
Stats show 1 in 5 adults face alcohol issues; celebrity stories boost help-seeking by 20%, per recovery advocates. Teigen’s motherhood angle resonates, prioritizing kids over wine.
Impact on Family and Career
As John Legend’s wife and mom to Wren, Miles, Luna, and Esti, sobriety sharpens Teigen’s focus. It fuels her cookbook empire, modeling, and Star Search role. Legend supports quietly, their date nights now sober.
Career-wise, authenticity boosts her brand—cookbooks emphasize mindful living, aligning with sobriety.
Challenges and Triumphs Ahead
Teigen admits anxiety persists but is manageable sans alcohol. No “subtle and steady” crutch means facing nerves head-on. At 52 days, she’s building habits like non-alcoholic toasts.
Long-term, experts recommend community, therapy—Teigen’s podcast fills this. Radke’s endorsement strengthens her.
Lessons from Teigen and Radke
Their stories teach relapse isn’t failure; it’s data. Honesty accelerates healing. Teigen proves sobriety enhances humor, motherhood. Radke shows sharing multiplies impact.
Broader Wellness Trends
2026 sees sobriety surging via “sober curious” movements, non-alcoholic drinks booming. Celebrities drive this, with apps tracking days like Teigen’s 52. Pilates (Teigen’s fave) pairs well for holistic health.
FAQs
Why did Chrissy Teigen relapse after initial sobriety?
Teigen quit in 2021 but returned to “mindful” drinking in 2025 for date nights and celebrations, calling it subtle.
How did Carl Radke inspire Teigen’s sobriety restart?
Their January 15 podcast on “Self-Conscious” featured Radke’s honest five-year journey, prompting Teigen to quit post-discussion.
What is Teigen’s sobriety milestone?
52 days as of January 27, 2026, with “no desire to turn back.”
Who is Carl Radke?
Summer House star, sober since 2021 after brother’s overdose, known for Bravo candor.
How has Teigen’s family supported her?
John Legend shares four kids; sobriety enhances her parenting amid busy life.
What’s next for Teigen professionally?
Judging Star Search revival, sober—no alcohol in dressing room.
