Selma Blair Ditches Alcohol for MS Pain Relief

Selma Blair has revealed her decision to cease alcohol consumption, a significant change implemented to manage the chronic pain stemming from her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

Blair shared that she historically relied on alcohol even from a young age, initially to alleviate headaches and to find calm. As her MS progressed, she found that alcohol seemed to be the only method to alleviate the nerve pain, describing it as a way to go from a state of distress to one of relaxation.

However, Blair acknowledged the escalating problem, noting that one drink was insufficient, and multiple drinks led to negative emotional states and depression. She concluded that alcohol was not a sustainable or beneficial solution for her, stating, "Alcohol is not good medicine for me."

Her memoir, "Mean Baby," details a two-decade-long struggle with the desire to drink. A pivotal moment occurred in 2016 after she lost consciousness on a plane while traveling with her young son. This publicly humiliating event, she later explained, made her confront the possibility of death and strongly influenced her decision to stop drinking, emphasizing her role as a mother as a key motivator.

While Blair clarified she does not adhere to a strictly "sober, sober lifestyle with AA," she maintains a firm stance against alcohol. She remains vigilant about her sobriety, stating that the overwhelming desire to drink has subsided but acknowledging the ongoing need for awareness.