Shepard has always been very open about discussing his sobriety and battles with addiction. The father of two has been mostly sober for 16 years, after quitting his use of alcohol and cocaine.
However, as Shepard revealed on "Armchair Expert," he has relapsed twice in the past with painkillers. The most recent incident happened this summer.
Shepard was prescribed painkillers for injuries he suffered from an off-roading accident in May and a motorcycle accident in August. He said that he realized he was experiencing a problem when he was taking the pills all day.
He said, "I know that’s an amount that’s going to result in a pretty bad withdrawal. And I start getting really scared, and I’m starting to feel really lonely. And I just have this enormous secret.”
The actor revealed his relapse to wife Kristen Bell, who offered her support. Shepard has been sober again since.
Shepard's candidness about his sobriety allows him to be a true advocate for others facing issues with substance abuse, and sheds light on the constant battle those in this situation face.