Lucy Hale is two-and-a-half years sober and sharing her story in hopes of inspiring someone.
“When I got sober, my intention was never to be the poster child of sobriety,” Hale, who is receiving Friendly House's 2024 Humanitarian Award, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "But when I began speaking about it, it was to heal and regain my power."
The 35-year-old former Pretty Little Liars actress says “feeling seen” and connecting with her narrative has been “the biggest gift,” and Friendly House LA heightened that. It's palpable when women heal and grow together. Watching women grow and overcome obstacles is the best feeling.
Were 20-something Hale to hear she would receive an award and inspire others with her sobriety, she would probably not believe you. “I can't believe I'm at a place in my life where I can talk about the things that used to bring me so much shame,” she says.
I felt alone and misunderstood since childhood. I started drinking as a teenager, which shut down my brain "Hale recalls her alcoholism. "And it worked for me for a while, until it turned really dark."
Her demons plagued Hale in her 20s. “I always wanted to change, but with any addiction, you become powerless to this obsession,” The Hating Game actress adds.
I had to get sober myself. It took many years, many relapses, many dark moments, and many falls on my face—literally and figuratively—to figure out what was working in my life and why I was drinking. Removing alcohol is just one aspect.
Hale called her rise to popularity in Pretty Little Liars her “North Star” while battling alcoholism. “If I'm honest, without my career and that creative outlet, I don't know if I would've made it,” adds the actress.