If you are a 90s kid, you may know Orlando Brown from Disney’s famed series, “That’s So Raven,” or film, “Max Keeble’s Big Move.” Or, perhaps you know Brown from his more recent music endeavors as a Christian rap artist. Unfortunately, however, more people today recognize Orlando Brown from his troublesome debuts on the news—featuring the star getting arrested for drug possession, domestic battery, and illegal drug use. Orlando Brown has long struggled with substance abuse, but he’s now on a positive path to recovery.
In fact, it was in 2020 that Orlando Brown’s recovery journey began. Orlando Brown graduated from a recovery program late last year, and has already seen great success in his newfound, sober life. The star is married, a father, is making music, and living sober.
Yet, while Orlando Brown received tons of media coverage for his struggles with drug abuse and mental health, the star has not seen the same attention for his recovery journey. This article follows Orlando Brown’s journey from addiction to recovery. Addiction is a disease can happen to anyone, regardless of background or even career. At the same time, recovery is very possible—and Brown’s story shows this.
Orlando Brown’s History of Drug Problems & Mental Health
Orlando Brown has been in the news for seemingly all the wrong reasons. In 2016, he was arrested for domestic battery, drug possession (methamphetamine) with intent to sell, and later, possession of contraband in jail. Brown did not appear for his court date. The actor and musician has also been charged with a DUI, public intoxication and disturbing the peace. The patterns of his arrests reflect a major struggle with substance abuse and addiction, and further, the need for help.
In 2018, Orlando Brown met with Dr. Phil after a friend requested help. His friend, Solomon Barron, called Dr. Phil when he saw that Brown was “clearly delusional.” From the interview, it is evident that Brown was struggling with mental health issues and confusion in his ways of thinking. During his chat with Dr. Phil, he also admitted to drinking a lot and medicating with marijuana—while also claiming he was four years sober at the time. Brown declined Dr. Phil’s offer to help through treatment.
Years later, however, Orlando Brown finally sought out the much-needed help that he deserved. In September 2020, footage of Brown was released, where he appeared to be testifying at a Christian church. This church was Rise Church in Texas, where Brown had enrolled in a six-month recovery program for men who struggle with drugs, alcohol, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. He graduated the program last November.
It wasn’t until this month, around October 7, 2021, that Orlando Brown’s recovery story went viral. On October 7th, videos and pictures of Brown at church with his family flooded social media. Fans were applauding him for his resilience, his dedication, and his success so far in recovery.
Orlando Brown’s Recovery from Addiction
Since stepping onto the road of recovery, Brown has also gotten married and became a father. He has also been recording music, much of which details his journey of recovery. In his song, “The Lord is My Shepherd,” Brown raps about giving his life to God after the many dark times we saw played out in the news and on social media.
The video of Brown that went viral was a testimony for Rise Church and its recovery program. He explains, “I had a blast. These brothers accepted me for who I am. Church is lovely. All the leaders are brilliant; they’re geniuses and men of God.” In another video, he explains he’s on the “road to recovery.”
Recovery is a journey. Addiction, particularly when muddled by other, mental health disorders, is a complicated disorder of the brain that requires time and commitment to overcome. It is not easy, but recovery from addiction is possible. It is stories like Orlando Brown’s that give others hope. Though his recovery is a work in progress, Orlando Brown is using his platform to talk to others about having faith and finding purpose, outside of drugs and alcohol.
Fans continue to praise Brown for his recovery, in efforts to share his story and share this as one of the many examples of recovery from addiction. While there is stigma around drug abuse, mental health, and even around drug rehab, it is never a topic we should shy away from. Social media fans have taken it upon themselves to continue praising Brown’s journey, in efforts to encourage others to seek help, too. Some tweets included:
Shout out to Orlando Brown (That’s So Raven). He beat drug addiction, found faith, and has a beautiful family. Love to see it!
Even if no one else notices, I’m really proud of Orlando Brown. He overcame his addiction and really turned his life around.
Not only did Orlando Brown overcome drug addiction, but he gave his life to Jesus. WHY ISN’T ANYONE TALKING ABOUT THIS?
I heard Orlando Brown got clean. I need us to be as loud about that as we were when we were making fun of him high as hell. Congratulations on getting your life back man!
Turnbridge congratulates Orlando Brown for making positive choices and finding success in his recovery. We recognize that recovery is not an easy journey and encourage Orlando Brown to keep on this path. If you too are struggling with drug abuse or are seeking recovery, we encourage you to ask for help.
Asking for help for an addiction is not easy, due to the stigma and conversations that surround drug abuse. However, suffering in silence can be detrimental. If you or someone you love needs help, you can always contact us. We are a young adult and teen treatment center with addiction and mental health programs available. We are here without judgement or bias. Call 877-581-1793 to learn more.