Does Drew Barrymore Smoke? What Most People Get Wrong

You’ve seen the photos. There’s a particularly famous one from 1984: a nine-year-old Drew Barrymore, looking like a literal cherub in a party dress, casually lighting a cigarette for Stephen King at the Firestarter premiere. It’s an image that has lived in the cultural psyche for decades. For many, it's the first thing that comes to mind when they ask, does Drew Barrymore smoke? But Hollywood has a way of freezing people in time, and the Drew Barrymore of 2026 is lightyears away from that "wild child" era.

Honestly, the answer is a lot more layered than a simple "yes" or "no." While her past is basically the blueprint for Hollywood rebellion, her current life is a masterclass in health-focused reinvention.

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The "Wild Child" Era: When She Actually Did Smoke

Let’s be real—Drew’s childhood wasn’t just "unconventional." It was chaotic. By her own admission in her memoir Little Girl Lost, she started smoking cigarettes at the age of nine. By eleven, she was drinking, and by twelve, she was using marijuana and cocaine. She wasn't just a kid trying to look cool; she was a child actor navigating a high-pressure industry without much of a safety net.

Back then, smoking was part of the lifestyle. It was the 80s, after all. You could smoke in restaurants, on planes, and apparently, if you were a child star at Studio 54, you could smoke right alongside the adults. She’s talked openly about how these habits were "out in the open" while things like eating sugar were, weirdly enough, restricted by her mother.

• Age 9: Started smoking cigarettes.
• Age 13: Entered a psychiatric institution for eighteen months.
• Age 14: Granted legal emancipation from her parents.

By the time she reached her twenties and starred in Charlie's Angels, the smoking hadn't entirely vanished, but the hard drugs were long gone. She was often spotted with a cigarette in paparazzi shots throughout the late 90s and early 2000s, reflecting a habit that many former addicts struggle to kick even after getting clean from "the hard stuff."

Does Drew Barrymore Smoke Now?

If you're looking for a photo of Drew Barrymore smoking a cigarette today, you’re going to be looking for a very long time. In recent years, and especially as she’s transitioned into her 50s, Drew has completely overhauled her lifestyle.

She doesn't smoke.

In fact, she’s become something of a wellness guru, though a very relatable one. On The Drew Barrymore Show, she often discusses her journey toward "cleaner" living. This isn't just about avoiding nicotine; it’s about a total systemic change. In early 2026, she spoke candidly about her "beauty journey," mentioning that she leans on a list of seven healthy habits curated with her therapist, Dr. Barry Michels. Smoking is definitely not on that list.

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Why the rumors persist

People still ask because Drew is incredibly honest about her "addictive personality." She doesn't hide behind a PR-perfect image. In late 2021, she revealed she had quit drinking alcohol entirely after realizing it simply "did not serve" her. When someone is that open about one struggle, fans naturally wonder about others.

There's also the "vape" question. Does she vape? There is no credible evidence or public statement suggesting Drew Barrymore vapes. Given her vocal commitment to lung health and her "plant-based" leanings, it’s highly unlikely she’s swapped Marlboros for a Juul.

The 2026 Wellness Shift

Drew’s current vibe is much more "walking pad under the couch" than "cigarette in the club." She recently shared that she’s lost about 25 pounds by focusing on mindful eating and Pilates. She’s not doing those extreme Hollywood "tea detoxes" either. She’s just eating more vegetables and trying to get ten minutes of movement in while watching TV.

It’s actually kind of refreshing. She’s admitted that menopause and hormone therapy have been "tough" and that she sometimes doesn't recognize herself in the mirror. But her response isn't to reach for a cigarette or a drink; it's to "buckle down" on sleep and hydration.

The Verdict on Her Smoking Habits

Drew Barrymore is a survivor. She’s one of the few child stars who went through the absolute ringer and came out the other side not just functional, but thriving. While she was a heavy smoker in her youth and young adulthood, those days are firmly in the rearview mirror.

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Today, she prioritizes:

1. Sobriety: Total abstinence from alcohol.
2. Movement: Using a walking pad and practicing Pilates.
3. Mental Health: Regular therapy and "internal wars" to choose happiness.
4. Clean Eating: A focus on whole foods and "nourishing the body."

Basically, if you see a headline today claiming Drew is back to her old ways, take it with a massive grain of salt. She’s spent decades building a "brand new track" for her life, and it doesn't include a pack of cigarettes.

Next Steps for Your Own Wellness Journey
If you’re looking to follow Drew’s lead and kick a habit or just feel better, you don't need a Swiss spa retreat. Start small. She recommends the "10-minute rule"—waking up 10 minutes earlier or hopping on a walking pad for 10 minutes. It's about consistency, not perfection. You can also check out her "Little Yellow Book" recommendations for movies and books that help with mental clarity and staying grounded.