Kristen Bell Talks Lessons Learned From Dax Shepard’s Alcoholism Recovery

Kristen Bell is opening up about the lessons she learned from husband Dax Shepard being in recovery. It is no secret the Armchair Expert host had an issue with drugs and alcohol, resulting in him being sober 14 years ago.

In an interview with Women’s Health, Bell talks about what she has learned from her husband’s Alcohol Anonymous meetings. She has gained some valuable coping skills from Shepard that have helped her deal with her depression.

“You just have to do the next right thing, You just stand up. That’s the next right thing. Then you brush your teeth. That’s the next right thing. I’ve very one-step-at-a-time,” she explained to the magazine.

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To the man mocked me in our wedding photos because I cried too many tears of joy, Who wore a baby Bjorn for 2 straight years to show his girls how to be as adventurous as possible, Who held our dear little shakey mann pup for 8 hrs straight on the day we had to put him down, I know how much you loved using. I know how much it got in your way. And I know, because I saw, how hard you worked to live without it. I will forever be in awe of your dedication, and the level of fierce moral inventory you perform on yourself, like an emotional surgery, every single night. You never fail to make amends, or say sorry when its needed. You are always available to guide me, and all of our friends, with open ears and tough love when its needed most. You have become the fertilizer in the garden of our life, encouraging everyone to grow. I'm so proud that you have never been ashamed of your story, but instead shared it widely, with the hope it might inspire someone else to become the best version of themselves. You have certainly inspired me to do so. I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone, and I want you to know, I see you. I see how hard you work. You set an excellent example of being human. Happy 14th year sobriety birthday, @daxshepard. Xoxo

A post shared by kristen bell (@kristenanniebell) on Sep 1, 2018 at 6:20pm PDT

Bell has been vocal regarding her mental health struggle, suffering from depression since she was 18-years old. Like alcoholism, it is a constant battle that she will endure for the rest of her life. There is no easy fix, and the actress must put in the work regarding her mental health journey.

When it comes to drinking alcohol, Bell admitted she did not drink for ten years, until discovering rosé this summer. It is was an adjustment for her body to have alcohol. She revealed her body does not function well after she has indulged in booze.

“When I do drink, it’s like I have the flu the next day,” she explained to the magazine.

Both Shepard and Bell have discussed the impact his alcoholism had on their relationship. She is continuously praising him for getting and staying sober.

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Best sober birthday present ever. @kristenanniebell got me a tour of the @kingshawaiian factory and I ate 8 STRAIGHT oughta the oven. 2 more upstairs, and 3 at home. 13 all-in for one day is an accomplishment I will not soon forget. Also, the fact that Kristen looks like a scientist and @mlpadman looks like she's on a kindergarten field trip just makes my heart swell to dangerous levels. Thanks Ladies!

A post shared by Dax Shepard (@daxshepard) on Sep 1, 2018 at 6:01pm PDT

The 39-year-old has even admitted she goes all out for Shepard’s sober birthday, even more than on his actual birthday. She makes a big deal out of his sober birthday because his being sober keeps their family together.

“I’m very happy he was born, so I celebrate his birthday, but I’m extraordinarily [happy] that he has stayed sober because that’s what allows me to have him in my life as a husband and as a father,” Bell explained to People magazine last fall.

Kristen Bell has learned a technique from her husband, Dax Shepard’s Alcohol Anonymous meetings, to help her cope with her depression. They have managed to take their struggles and turn them into learning experiences that they share with each other, as well as the public.

The couple keeps their kids of out the spotlight but are not afraid to let it shine on them. It is another reason fans love Bell and Shepard, who is often referred to as mom and dad.