Sean Stewart, the eldest son of rock legend Sir Rod Stewart, has taken significant steps to address long-standing personal issues as he voluntarily checked himself back on February 25, 2025, at Cliffside Malibu rehabilitation center. Normally, such decisions point to urgent circumstances, but Sean has emphasized his intention is not solely due to substance abuse but rather to confront deep-rooted challenges he has faced throughout his life related to ADHD, dyslexia, and past trauma.
Stewart’s environment throughout his formative years was anything but ordinary. Living under the shadow of his father, Sir Rod Stewart, whose career spanned decades and brought worldwide fame, Sean often felt the weight of expectation and inadequacy. Reportedly, he has battled feelings of inferiority stemming from unkind childhood experiences, such as being teased with names like "Stupid Stewart" because of his learning disabilities. "I have struggled with ADHD since I was a kid. I also struggled in school because I had learning dyslexia," he told the Daily Mail. "This is something I have been dealing with for many decades; it has been very painful, as I am sure many people can understand."
This recent stint at the luxurious Cliffside Malibu, known for its boutique hotel-like amenities, is part of Sean's efforts to prioritize his mental health. During this outpatient treatment, he aims to work through his past issues and improve his mental well-being, realizing full well he must commit to this path for his family's sake, stating, "I am dealing with the pain so I can be more self-confident." The facility he is at, which reportedly costs around $80,000 monthly, promises high-end physical and emotional care, planning to deliver therapies suited to his diverse needs.
Family support has played a pivotal role in Sean's decision to seek help. Observing his fluctuations between sobriety and substance use, his family has become aware of his struggles and stepped in to encourage him down the path of recovery. They might have recognized the hardships he faced during moments where he reverted to old habits — something he has battled since coming of age. Sean recalled how his substance abuse began early during high school parties, leading him to experiment with drugs and alcohol, contributing to his battle with dependency over the years.
Despite these challenges, Sean insists he is determined to conquer his feelings of inadequacy and transform this phase of therapy and personal reflection positively. "Just because I have struggled with ADHD and dyslexia does not mean I cannot have a successful life, and I am learning how to cope with it now," he remarked. He acknowledges the emotional burden linked to his ADHD struggles and dyslexia, underscoring his hope of inspiring others facing similar issues. Sean's aim is to emerge not only as someone who has faced his demons but also as someone willing to share his story in hopes of motivating others to seek help.
Sean understands the importance of being transparent about one's struggles, acknowledging the need for public figures to speak out. Taking cues from personalities like Elon Musk, who openly discussed his own neurodiverse conditions, Sean expressed, “I appreciate public figures who are honest about what they have to deal with, and I want to do the same.”
Moving forward, Sean has expressed aspirations for his future, including wanting to become a father one day. "I want to grow as a person, I want to be a great dad," he said, showcasing more personal goals beyond his current treatment. It's evident his return to Malibu's rehab center is rooted as much in self-betterment as it is about professional recovery from substance use. He aims to navigate his emotional challenges head-on, embracing the professional support and environment available for him.
With the confidence buoyed by family support and his own motivation, Sean is focused on shaping his path forward. He has become open to the challenges of his past, hoping his candid story will encourage others to overcome their own hurdles and eventually seek help as well. "I feel it is important for me to be honest about my situation so I can inspire others to get help and grow stronger," he expressed. If Sean's personal story of overcoming adversity can touch even one person, he deems the effort worthwhile.