Cara Delevingne has revealed that music has been the key to maintaining her sobriety, calling it something that has kept her “sane and sober” after spending years “numbing” herself. The 34-year-old model, actress, and musician shared her reflections on her debut album Not Normal, which she says was born from her journey toward self-acceptance.
Key Facts
- Who: Cara Delevingne, model, actress, and musician
- What: Opened up about sobriety and how creating music helped her stay sober
- When: August 2026, during interviews promoting her debut album Not Normal
- Key Quote: “It’s also been something that’s kept me sane and sober”
- Sobriety Date: Began recovery in 2022 after checking into rehab and entering a 12-step program
What Cara Delevingne Said
In a candid interview with Elle magazine, Delevingne spoke about her creative journey and the role music has played in her recovery. The star, who has been open about her struggles with substance use, explained that working on her debut album has become a lifeline.
“I’ve been working on it for three years,” Delevingne told the outlet. “It’s something I’ve put so much time into and I actually feel like I’ve been working on it for my whole life because it’s all been leading up to this.”
She also reflected on her personal growth during the process: “I believed in myself and tried making friends with myself. I know that sounds weird. I was just really horrible to myself, and when you get out of your own way it’s pretty crazy what you can achieve.”
Delevingne connected the creative process directly to her well-being: “A lot of that is represented in the production. I’m really proud to say I co-produced it with some incredible people and have enjoyed the process so much. I’ve learned a lot about myself in the process, and it’s also been something that’s kept me sane and sober.”
Reflecting on her past struggles, she admitted: “I numbed myself for a pretty long time and felt numb in general, even if I wasn’t numbing myself to what I was doing.”
Her Sobriety Journey
Delevingne first began experiencing problems with drugs as a teenager. She has spoken previously about being a drug dealer at age 14 to fund her own addiction. After years of escalating use, her turning point came in late 2022.
The Overdose
The critical moment occurred after she overdosed on what she believed was cocaine laced with opioids. Her girlfriend at the time, British musician Minke (whom she has been dating since 2022), called the police when she found Delevingne unconscious. Paramedics administered the overdose-reversal drug naloxone, and she was taken to the hospital.
“I was narcanned, I was in the hospital and that’s really where everything happened,” she said on The Louis Theroux Podcast. “My girlfriend called the police… Horrible for her.”
Coming out of that state, Delevingne said she “wanted to die.” She recalled: “You know what you’ve just put people you love through, and you see the pain in their face. The shame. It makes me want to cry. It’s horrible.”
A “Catalytic” Moment
The overdose followed a series of public incidents in 2022, including paparazzi photos taken after the Burning Man festival. Delevingne described that period as a “catalytic” event that led to her losing jobs and causing deep concern among those close to her.
“Something changed that time,” she said. “It wasn’t fun anymore… and I was so desperate that I was praying every day for it to end, that cycle.” She then checked into rehab and began a 12-step recovery program.
The Role of Music and Creativity
Delevingne’s debut album Not Normal is set for release on September 25, 2026, through Warner Records. The album features collaborations with Fiona Apple and her partner Minke.
Announcing the album on Instagram, Delevingne shared: “Writing songs over the years has been such an important part of my life, and it has been so special to finally start sharing these songs with you this past summer.”
She has described making music as a “rebirth” and a positive outlet for her self-expression. Her recent singles, including ‘I Forgot’ and ‘Out of My Head’, explore themes of addiction and recovery. The title track and album title Not Normal appears to reflect her personal journey toward embracing her unique path.
Timeline of Key Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Began sobriety journey; checked into rehab and entered 12-step program; overdosed after using cocaine laced with opioids |
| 2026 | Opens up about overdose on The Louis Theroux Podcast |
| August 2026 | Shares reflections with Elle magazine about staying “sane and sober” |
| September 25, 2026 | Release of debut album Not Normal |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did Cara Delevingne stay sober?
Yes. Delevingne has been sober since checking into rehab and entering a 12-step program in 2022. She has credited her partner, music, and community support for helping her maintain sobriety.
2. What happened to Cara Delevingne in 2022?
In late 2022, Delevingne experienced a series of public struggles, including paparazzi photos showing her looking disheveled after the Burning Man festival. She later revealed she had suffered drug-induced seizures at the festival. She overdosed around that time and was revived with naloxone.
3. When does Cara Delevingne’s album Not Normal come out?
Not Normal is scheduled for release on September 25, 2026, through Warner Records.
4. Did Cara Delevingne nearly die?
Yes. Delevingne revealed she overdosed on what she believed was cocaine laced with opioids and was revived with naloxone by paramedics. She has said she “wanted to die” immediately after coming out of that state.
5. Who is Cara Delevingne’s partner?
Delevingne is dating British musician Minke. The couple met while attending boarding school together and reconnected years later. Minke has been a source of support throughout Delevingne’s sobriety journey.
6. What did Cara Delevingne say about staying sober through music?
Delevingne told Elle that creating music has “kept me sane and sober” and that she learned a lot about herself through the process. She has called music a “rebirth” and a positive outlet for her self-expression.
7. What substances did Cara Delevingne struggle with?
Delevingne has been open about her struggles with various substances, including ketamine, GHB/GBL, and cocaine. She said she began experimenting with drugs at age 14 and sold drugs to fund her own use.
8. What advice has Cara Delevingne shared about recovery?
Delevingne has encouraged others facing similar struggles: “You’re not alone. If I can do it, anyone can. But you need to communicate and be honest about it as much as you can—especially with yourself.”