Sean Stewart, eldest son of rock legend Rod Stewart, has set out on a path of redemption by admitting himself into the upscale Cliffside Malibu rehab centre. This is a big step for him in his long-term fight against addiction, mental illness, and the demands of being in the spotlight growing up.
A Lifelong Battle with ADHD and Dyslexia
As early as his childhood, Sean had struggled with ADHD and dyslexia—two conditions that created problems for his studies and relationships. Telling his story about the hardships, he opened up about how the disorders left him feeling inferior, gaining him the nasty label of “Stupid Stewart” among his peers. Not being properly understood and helped in his young years, Sean felt uncertain of himself, thus turning to drug use as a coping mechanism.
ADHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder that presents as impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inability to focus, impacts millions of individuals globally. In the absence of diagnosis or intervention, ADHD can manifest as emotional distress, low self-esteem, and vulnerability to addiction. Dyslexia, yet another learning disability, added to Sean’s plight, making it even more challenging for him to navigate through life in a world that sometimes judges success based on traditional academic performance.
The Burden of Fame and Childhood Trauma
Having grown up as the child of a worldwide icon, Sean was under intense public scrutiny throughout his life. The lavish lifestyle, along with the emotional withdrawal that frequently goes hand in hand with fame, left him a loner. His father’s record-breaking achievement only increased pressure to live up to expectations that he felt he could never come close to filling.
This is something I have been struggling with for many decades, and it has been very painful, as I am sure many people can understand,” Sean explained.
The burden of unresolved childhood traumas instigated harmful behaviours, which came in the form of years of drug abuse. He began using drugs at the early age of 13, and this degenerated into full-blown addiction, which culminated in a nearly fatal overdose in 2001. In spite of repeated efforts at rehabilitation, the addiction cycle continued, highlighting the intricacy of recovery.
Getting Help: A New Chapter in His Life
Now, at 44, Sean has decided to face his demons head-on. His going into rehab is not merely about kicking the habit—it’s about healing the long-buried wounds that have kept him from moving forward for decades.
“I am here to sort out the pain that I had when I was a child… I want to be a good dad one day, and I know I need to work on myself first,” he confessed.
Cliffside Malibu, which features its upscale but rigorous treatment programs, provides a comprehensive treatment plan for recovery. With treatments such as yoga, horse therapy, and individualized counselling, the center is structured to treat not only addiction, but the underlying mental ailments that drive it.
A Message of Hope for Others
Sean’s desire to speak about his experiences is a sobering reminder that addiction knows no boundaries—it takes individuals from every background, every walk of life, regardless of wealth or status. His journey is an inspiration to those struggling with similar issues, demonstrating that one is never too old to find help and redefine one’s own story.
“I want to be an inspiration for those who can use it,” Sean said. “I hate to hear of people suffering in silence—it’s tragic,” he added.
Sean’s father, Rod Stewart, has also weighed in publicly, saying he was proud of Sean for seeking out the assistance he requires. The Stewart family apparently organized an intervention, demonstrating their unified dedication to Sean’s well-being.
