Mulaney Explained
John Mulaney, the funny guy with the quick wit and great observations, went to rehab for alcohol and cocaine addiction. He’d been open about his past drinking, even made jokes about it in his early stand-up, but it was clear john mulaney’s issues went deeper. Along with alcohol and cocaine, Mulaney was also addicted to prescription drugs like Klonopin and Wellbutrin which he started using to manage anxiety.
He was sober for 15 years and then relapsed in 2020—a year that was a doozy for all of us. During his substance abuse, Mulaney realized he did not like ‘this guy anymore’ and was not rooting for him, highlighting his internal conflict and desire for change.
When Did John Mulaney Go to Rehab?
Mulaney checked himself into rehab in December 2020 and stayed for 60 days. Mulaney explained his reasons for seeking help, emphasizing the importance of being authentic and protecting his newfound joy. He finished his program in February 2021. But this wasn’t his first trip to rehab.
He went in September 2020, finished that stint in October and then relapsed after hosting SNL in November. Mulaney recalled his experiences during the intervention, recognizing the serious nature of his addiction and the necessity of help. It was a bad time but he finally sought help and that was a turning point for him.
Where Did John Mulaney Go to Rehab?
Mulaney went to rehab in Pennsylvania but won’t say where (the one by the Outback lol). Understandably so. Rehab is a personal journey and privacy is key to recovery. A Reddit thread speculated about him going to the same rehab and one user even shared a story about running into him in Atlantic City where he told them to “get out of AC as soon as possible.” Classic Mulaney even in a tough spot.
How Long Did John Mulaney Do Drugs For?
Mulaney’s drug use went back further than most people think. In his Netflix special “Baby J” he said he started using drugs at 14 (so about 24 years). The timeline of his relapse isn’t entirely clear even to him. He said he didn’t really know when things started to go south but there are clues. Reflecting on his struggles, Mulaney mentioned feeling pretty unhappy during his recovery. He was seeing a doctor named Michael for anxiety medication before his relapse and signs of substance use started as early as 2019.
Mulaney has also discussed how his early substance use was partly a young male thing, trying to assert himself and gain confidence. By 2020 the pandemic and lack of a routine only made things worse. Mulaney has said he lost track of how long he was using cocaine before his friends staged an intervention.
The Intervention with Seth Meyers
The intervention that led Mulaney to rehab is a great example of the importance of a support system. Friends like Seth Meyers, Nick Kroll, and other SNL people had to be brave and confront Mulaney about his addiction which wasn’t easy but it was necessary. In true Mulaney fashion he even found the humor in it and joked in “Baby J” that he was “the best looking person at his intervention.”
A successful intervention requires planning and often the help of a professional interventionist. The key is to focus on specific instances of the addict’s behavior and the consequences of their actions not general emotional appeals. Mulaney’s story shows how important it is to have people who care enough to step in and help even when it’s uncomfortable.
Mulaney wanted to assert his awareness of his addiction, aiming to be the ‘smartest person in the room’ during the intervention. He later expressed that the intervention by his friends and family totally saved his life, transforming it for the better.
Learn how to exactly plan an intervention for your loved one.
John Mulaney’s Life After Rehab
Since rehab Mulaney has been open about his journey to sobriety. He’s also started a new chapter in his personal life—dating actress Olivia Munn and they’re expecting a new baby. It’s a big change and new relationships can be tough in early sobriety but Mulaney seems to be handling it with humor and honesty. Despite various obstacles, he has realized that he is fundamentally a happy person, emphasizing the importance of protecting that happiness by living authentically.
Experts advise against starting new romantic relationships in the first year of sobriety as it can sometimes lead to substituting one addiction for another. But building a sober community and having clear goals can help with long term recovery. Mulaney has been transparent about his struggles and has shared his experiences in interviews and in “Baby J” where he jokes “I’m so proud of the two of us—I’m proud of me for doing the work and proud of you for sticking around.”
Why Treatment Matters: Get Help Now
Mulaney’s story is a great reminder of the importance of early intervention and getting treatment as soon as possible. Addiction is hard but the sooner you get help the better your chances of recovery. There are many treatment options from medical detox to inpatient programs and therapy to support you on your journey to sobriety. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction don’t wait to get help—this first step could be the best one you ever take.
Call (949)-763-3440 for help.
Conclusion
Mulaney’s story shows intervention, the work of sobriety and recovery. It’s never too late to get help and start fresh. Whether you like his comedy or not Mulaney is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with addiction.
Sources
- Jensen, E. (2024, April 30). John Mulaney on his love for Olivia Munn, and how a doctor convinced him to stay in rehab. https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2024/04/30/john-mulaney-david-letterman-interview-netflix/73451827007/
- Mulaney, J. (Writer & Performer). (2023). John Mulaney: Baby J [TV special]. Netflix.