Drew Barrymore’s Revelations: A Journey Through Childhood Trauma and Family Complexity

Reflecting on the challenges of her early years in the limelight, former child star Drew Barrymore delves into her tumultuous relationship with her mother, Jaid, whom she has previously accused of exploiting her in the Hollywood scene.

Drew Barrymore sheds light on the intricate dynamics she shares with her mother, as she looks back on her turbulent upbringing that began when she entered showbiz at a mere seven years old, starring in the renowned Steven Spielberg classic, ET.

The talk show host's tumultuous childhood, marked by her rise to fame, has been extensively chronicled, painting a picture of a young girl navigating the glitz and glamour of Hollywood from a very tender age.

In various accounts, Drew has candidly discussed how her mother, Jaid, exposed her to the harsh realities of the industry, taking her to nightclubs as a nine-year-old where she engaged in adult activities, including her initiation into drinking, which eventually led to substance abuse by the age of twelve.

Reflecting on her past as a child star and the intricate bond with her mother, the Never Been Kissed actress confesses to harboring feelings of impatience for her mother's absence, admitting envy towards friends who have lost their parents.

Expressing her innermost thoughts, the 48-year-old shares with New York magazine her conflicting emotions, stating, “I yearn for her to be absent, though I aspire for her joy and well-being.

Despite her presence, I strive to evolve independently.”

Though her initial sentiments may have sounded harsh, Drew later reveals a sense of remorse, emphasizing her enduring care and concern for her mother, now aged 77.

Recalling her unconventional path, Drew legally emancipated herself from her parents at the age of 14, a decision she vividly remembers the court approving, granting her freedom from traditional schooling.

This revelation follows Drew's struggles with substance abuse during her youth, leading to her ostracism by major Hollywood studios at just twelve years old.

By thirteen, she had undergone rehabilitation twice, a turning point she acknowledges as pivotal in her life journey.

Acknowledging this period, Drew recounts to YOU magazine her transformative experience within the confines of the institution, recognizing it as a lesson in setting boundaries that she sorely lacked until then.

Admitting the severity of her circumstances, Drew reflects on her confinement, acknowledging her mother's role in the decision, albeit with a silver lining of newfound discipline and resilience gained through the ordeal.