Billy Joel: The Tragic Real-Life Story

Compared to other rock stars, Billy Joel is relatively straight-laced. Sure, he's tried drugs. But in the end, he always decides to self-medicate with plain old alcohol. "No matter what, alcohol was always there for me," Joel told Fred Schruers in "Billy Joel," "The truth is, I don't know much about sobriety. I know a hell of a lot about drinking."

Per the New York Times, Joel first checked himself into rehab in 2002 after drinking heavily for three months straight but only stayed for a few days. "To me, a musician going to rehab is like a normal person going to get his teeth cleaned," he joked after the experience. Elton John, his friend and touring partner, chimed in on his issues, citing Joel's alcoholism as a reason for canceled shows and claiming he needed more serious rehab, per The Guardian.

In 2005, after a series of car accidents, his then-wife, Katie Lee, expressed concern, and Billy checked himself into the Betty Ford Center. This time he stayed for a month and focused on getting better. "It was one of the best things I ever did," he told Parade.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

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