Drew Barrymore looks back at her grueling past: 'I was lonely'

Drew Barrymore is recalling one of her life changing moment.

The daytime show host has been in a rehabilitation facility at just 14 years old, where she spent nearly two years receiving treatment.

The actress, 50, reflected on the experience during a recent episode of The Drew Barrymore Show in conversation with Mae Martin.

Martin, 38, who created, co-wrote, and stars in the new Netflix mystery series Wayward, joined Barrymore to discuss the show’s themes.

The series follows a police officer investigating a school for troubled teens in an isolated town and draws inspiration from Martin’s own life. They shared that a childhood friend had spent two years in a similar facility during their teenage years.

After listening, Barrymore related deeply, revealing her own past. “I also was someone who got taken away and put in a place for two years,” she shared.

Surprised, Martin responded, “I did not know that. I mean, I knew that you were a wayward teen, as was I. I was in rehab and stuff, but I didn’t know that you were at one of those places.”

Barrymore praised Wayward for its layered portrayal of the troubled teen industry. “I had a lot of lightness in my experience in the institution. It’s a lot of what this show is. I know that sounds wild, but it was like encouragement to say your truth, to be brave, to find humour and heroism in your journey. And it’s the best thing that ever happened to me, honestly,” she said.

“And I hold a lot of that sacrosanct. But it wasn’t easy. It was hard as hell.”

The comedian added, “And I don’t know about you, but now, as an adult, I feel so protective of young people... I think that all went into it.”

Barrymore previously told The Guardian in 2015 that she spent 18 months in rehab at age 13 for drug and alcohol addiction, describing it as a lonely and painful yet transformative period.

Wayward is now streaming on Netflix.