For millions of fans, Jodie Sweetin will always be remembered as the spunky, sharp-witted Stephanie Tanner from Full House and Fuller House. But behind the laughter and iconic catchphrases like “How rude!”, Sweetin’s real life took a dark turn as she struggled with addiction, identity, and recovery.
Growing Up on Set
Jodie Sweetin was only five years old when she joined the cast of Full House. As Stephanie Tanner, she became one of the most beloved characters on the show. But like many child actors, the end of the series in 1995 left her feeling lost.
Without the routine of filming and the identity of being a child star, Sweetin admitted in her 2009 memoir unSweetined that she fell into a deep emotional spiral. “I didn’t know who I was anymore,” she wrote.
Descent into Addiction
By her early 20s, Sweetin began experimenting with drugs and alcohol — a habit that quickly escalated. She admitted to using ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, and more. At one point, she was attending speaking engagements about addiction while secretly still using drugs.
“I was living a double life,” she confessed in interviews. “I knew I needed help, but I didn’t know how to ask for it.”
Her addiction lasted for years, nearly costing her relationships, her career, and her life.
A Path to Recovery
The turning point came when she realized her addiction was not only destroying her but also preventing her from being a present mother. Sweetin entered treatment, embraced sobriety, and has now been clean for over a decade.
She became a certified drug and alcohol counselor and has spoken openly about her experiences on shows like The View and in national campaigns for addiction awareness.
“I want people to know it’s never too late to change your story,” she says.
Return to Acting and Fuller House
In 2016, Netflix brought back Full House in the reboot Fuller House, with Sweetin reprising her role as Stephanie — now grown up and navigating adulthood herself.
The return was not just a nostalgic nod, but also a symbolic full-circle moment for Sweetin. “Coming back to Stephanie, clean and sober, was healing,” she said.
A Voice for a Generation
Jodie Sweetin has since used her platform to advocate for mental health, recovery, and the realities of child stardom. While her journey was far from perfect, it has made her a relatable and resilient figure for many who struggle with similar challenges.
From child star to addiction survivor to sober advocate, Sweetin’s story is a powerful reminder that even behind the brightest smiles on TV, real battles are being fought — and won.
