Jodie Sweetin Pinpoints Start of Addiction to Candace Cameron Bure’s Wedding

The Turning Point: Jodie Sweetin’s Revelation About Candace Cameron Bure’s 1996 Wedding

Jodie Sweetin, known globally for her role as Stephanie Tanner on the beloved sitcom Full House and its sequel Fuller House, has been candid about her long journey through addiction and recovery. In a deeply personal revelation, Sweetin disclosed that the moment she first realized her struggle with substance abuse began at the wedding of her co-star, Candace Cameron Bure.

This pivotal event occurred in 1996, when Bure married hockey player Valeri Bure. At the time, Sweetin was just 14 years old, navigating the complex transition from child star to teenager in the public eye.

Sweetin shared that the experience at the wedding was not about the celebratory atmosphere, but about a sudden, profound realization of how alcohol could alter her state of mind and provide a temporary sense of belonging she felt was missing. This moment marked the beginning of a decades-long struggle with dependency.

The Context of Child Stardom and Seeking Control

Sweetin’s experience highlights the immense pressure faced by young actors whose formative years are spent under intense scrutiny. The transition from the structured, protected environment of a hit television set to normal adolescence can be jarring, often leading to feelings of isolation or inadequacy.

Speaking about the experience, Sweetin described feeling fundamentally different from her peers and seeking a way to feel “normal” or in control. The initial experience with alcohol at the wedding provided a false sense of ease and confidence.

“I was 14, and I was at Candace’s wedding, and I remember thinking, ‘This is it. This is the feeling I’ve been searching for,’” Sweetin explained in an interview. “It was the first time I felt comfortable in my own skin.”

This search for comfort and control is a common narrative in the early stages of addiction, particularly for individuals who feel overwhelmed or disconnected from their true selves. For Sweetin, the initial experimentation quickly escalated into a dependency.

Navigating a Decade of Substance Abuse

While the initial use began with alcohol, Sweetin’s struggles intensified significantly in the years following the end of Full House in 1995. Her addiction spiraled, encompassing various substances, most notably methamphetamine.

Her journey through active addiction lasted for over 15 years, a period she has openly discussed in her memoir, UnSweetined (2009). This period was marked by instability, multiple relapses, and significant personal challenges, demonstrating the severe and progressive nature of substance use disorder.

Key aspects of Sweetin’s struggle included:

• Early Onset: Starting experimentation at age 14, a critical developmental period.
• Escalation: Moving from alcohol to harder substances like methamphetamine.
• Public Scrutiny: Dealing with addiction while attempting to maintain a career and raise a family, often under the harsh glare of the media.

Sweetin’s ability to candidly discuss the depths of her addiction—including using drugs in front of her children and experiencing homelessness—has made her a powerful voice in the recovery community.

Sobriety, Advocacy, and the Power of Shared Experience

Today, Jodie Sweetin is a dedicated advocate for recovery and mental health. She has maintained long-term sobriety for over a decade, a testament to her commitment to a healthy lifestyle and continuous self-work.

Her return to the spotlight with Fuller House (2016–2020) showcased her professional resilience, but her true impact lies in her willingness to share her story authentically. By pinpointing the exact moment her addiction began, she provides crucial insight into the psychological triggers that can initiate a substance use disorder, even in seemingly benign social settings.

The Importance of Transparency

Sweetin’s transparency serves several vital purposes for the public and those struggling with addiction:

1. Destigmatization: By speaking openly, she helps dismantle the shame and secrecy often associated with addiction.
2. Early Identification: Her story illustrates that the roots of addiction can begin much earlier than many realize, often stemming from underlying emotional needs (like the need for control or belonging).
3. Hope in Recovery: Her successful long-term sobriety offers a powerful message of hope that recovery is possible, regardless of the severity of past struggles.

Sweetin continues to use various platforms, including her podcast appearances and public speaking engagements, to emphasize that addiction is a disease, not a moral failing, and that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Key Takeaways for the Reader

For those seeking to understand the full context of Jodie Sweetin’s journey, these are the essential facts regarding her addiction revelation:

• The Starting Point: Sweetin identified Candace Cameron Bure’s wedding in 1996 as the moment she first used alcohol to cope with feelings of discomfort and lack of control.
• Age: She was 14 years old at the time, highlighting the vulnerability of child stars transitioning out of the industry.
• The Core Issue: The initial use was driven by a psychological need to feel “comfortable in her own skin,” a feeling she found temporarily through substance use.
• Long-Term Struggle: This event initiated a 15-year battle with addiction, including dependency on substances like methamphetamine.
• Current Status: Sweetin has been sober for over a decade and actively works as a recovery advocate, using her platform to help others.