Sean Stewart, the son of rock legend Rod Stewart, is once again seeking help for his long-standing substance abuse issues as he has checked himself back Into the Cliffside Malibu rehabilitation facility.
The 44-year-old has openly shared his story, detailing how years of battling ADHD and dyslexia have shaped his turbulent childhood and early adulthood. "I struggled with ADHD since I was a kid, which affected my focus and behavior. This made school particularly challenging for me, and I often felt like I was not enough, especially under the shadow of my father's fame," Sean explained.
This decision to enter rehab follows years of ups and downs, including the recent end of his marriage to Jody Weintraub and his new relationship with Julia Stambler, who was previously linked to Charlie Sheen. Sean reflected on his painful childhood: "I have been dealing with my ADHD and feelings of inadequacy for many decades. It's been very painful, as I'm sure many can understand."
Sean's difficulties with substance abuse blossomed during his teenage years, having revealed he began experimenting with drugs at just 13 years old. He detailed his struggles candidly, stating, "I want to show others who are also suffering from mental health challenges like ADHD and dyslexia, and let them know it doesn’t make us unworthy of success. We can overcome our troubles and grow stronger."
After experiencing significant traumas related to his ADHD and bullying—earning the nickname 'Stupid Stewart'—the effort to manage his mental health has been compounded by the public scrutiny of his life as the son of one of the world’s most famous rockstars. Sean recounted the pain of bullying during school, attributing some of his past recklessness to his experiences being picked on and marginalized. "It was hard for me to find my footing," he stated with visible emotion, addressing how it led to troubles with the law, including arrests and public altercations.
Despite his challenges, Sean expressed hope for the future, aspiring to one day have children of his own and become the best father he can be, just like his own dad Rod Stewart, who has always been supportive of him. Reflecting on their relationship, he remarked, "My father always taught me about the importance of family and being there for one another. He has been my rock through these struggles."
Rod Stewart’s influence has been significant, as Sean has often mentioned how he wishes to turn his hardships around. Having had some success with his clothing line, named Dirty Weekend, which launched years ago, Sean experienced mixed results, leading him to eventually conclude, "My entrepreneurial ambitions didn’t last as my personal demons took over. But now, my focus is on healing and finding stable ground."
Currently, he is dedicated to regular therapy as part of his rehab program, where he hopes to confront the childhood pain and develop healthier coping strategies for his ADHD. The Cliffside Malibu facility offers various supportive therapies including yoga and equine therapy, which Sean is optimistic will aid him on his path to recovery.
Sean’s immediate family has rallied around him during these trying times, showing their unwavering support. A source close to the family revealed, "They can all see when Sean is sober and when he is not. His family has been instrumental during this process, especially his father and siblings."
Before entering rehab, Sean made headlines after appearing on Celebrity Rehab, where he shared candid insights about his struggles and the impact of mental health issues on families like his own. With each passing day, he aims to share his narrative, hoping it can resonate with others facing similar battles.
"I feel it is important for me to be open about my situation. If just one person feels inspired to seek help because of my struggles, then I know I am doing the right thing. Being honest matters," he shared.
Moving forward, Sean is determined to work through his challenges, rebuilding his life as he creates new meaningful connections and experiences. The potential of fatherhood looms large for him as he continues to embrace the healing process and strives for self-confidence amid the pressures of living under the public eye.
At its core, Sean's story is one of resilience. Having faced many tumultuous chapters, he remains grateful for his family’s love and support as he embarks on this new leg of his recovery. His aspirations to become the best version of himself reflect not only the legacies of the family he belongs to but also the universal desire for personal growth and redemption.