Mar 12, 2019 | By Tim Stoddart
John Stamos Credits Jodie Sweetin For Helping Him Get Sober
Addiction & Recovery News
Onscreen and off, it’s clear to see that Full House and Fuller House stars have supported one another through the years.
Last week John Stamos presented Jodie Sweetin with an award at the 10th annual Writer’s in Treatment’s Experience, Strength, and Hope Award for her 2009 memoir “Unsweetined,” along with her work and advocacy for the recovery community.
During the presentation, Stamos held back tears while recalling getting sober almost four years ago after hitting “rock bottom.”
“It took me a long time, a long time disappointed everyone who cared about me, culminating in a terrible DUI where I could have killed somebody,” Stamos said. “I hit rock bottom. Jodie lovingly allowed me to walk my own path and when I finally humbled myself to ask for your help, I realized that the perky little blabbermouth had become the master of wisdom and was right by my side during some of the most difficult days of my life.”
“This is Jodie’s Legacy in My Life”
Stamos explained that Sweetin, who played his character Jessie Katsopolis’ niece Stephanie Tanner of Full House and Netflix’s Fuller House revival, organized 12-step meetings at his house and on set.
He continued, “Thank God my wife and my new son will only know me as a sober husband and father,” he said. “This is Jodie’s legacy in my life.”
Sweetin, who is approaching eight years sober, gushed about her TV uncle in her acceptance speech. “John, I’m so proud of you,” she said. “It’s been the greatest thing to watch someone that you love have the light come back on again.”
Upon accepting her award, Sweetin also thanked her parents for supporting her every step of the way. “To say that I am grateful for them is a word and a feeling far too small for what they gave me and the patience and the understanding and the unconditional love that it took me to get on this journey,” she went on. “You guys gave up and you never told me I was bad.”
In the audience were also a cluster of Sweetin’s friends. “When we are out there using and in active addiction, we don’t get that luxury.” she said. “We don’t get that luxury of having so many people love us because we don’t love ourselves.”
“It Got Darker and Darker”
In 2016, Stamos opened up about his sobriety on the Howard Stern Show and the reason he decided to get sober in the first place.
“I lost sense of my discipline,” he said. “I was just dipping into that dark place. It happened more and more and it just got darker and darker.” The actor explained how his previous divorce and the death of his father sent him down the wrong path, and the eventual death of his mother “knocked me off.”
According to Stamos, his drinking came to a head when he was cited for a DUI and sentenced to three years’ probation.
“I lost my sense of discipline,” he said. “I was just dipping into that dark place. It happened more and more and it just got darker and darker.” He went on to explain how his divorce and the death of his father sent him down the wrong path, and the eventual death of his mother “knocked me off.”
After the event, the actor continued to talk about his fellow actress on Instagram and even posted a throwback picture of them together.
“Proud moment last night honoring @jodiesweetin at the Experience, Strength, and Hope Awards,” he wrote. “Who knew this little blonde scene-stealer in a side ponytail would grow up and change so many lives. (Mine included). Her sobriety is inspirational to say the least. Congrats Jodie on this aware recognizing your extraordinary journey. You give so many people HOPE. Love you! UJ.”
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