During the production of her 2015 album Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz, Miley Cyrus—then immersed in experimentation—revealed that drugs were her “biggest cost.” She candidly explained on The Ringer’s Every Single Album podcast that she kept these purchases off the books by labeling them as “vintage clothes” on her financial records.
The Vintage Clothes Ruse
Cyrus described how her accountant received several checks for large sums and labeled them as luxury fashion buys:
“Every time she saw me, she’d be like, ‘Where’s that $15,000 original John Lennon T‑shirt that you bought?’ … So I bought a lot of vintage clothes that year.” In reality, Cyrus used those funds to fuel her drug use. She even invented stories about delicate fabrics being stored away, deflecting her accountant’s inquiries.
Sobriety and Songwriting Today
Cyrus believes her creative process has shifted since embracing sobriety. While she used to craft songs like “Tangerine” under the influence, she now writes sober—though she acknowledges those psychedelic-inspired pieces were unique. On sobriety, she originally said it was “like my god” in an interview with Zane Lowe, but later dismissed that as “a little dramatic.” Her journey includes quitting marijuana around 2017 and alcohol by 2020.
Industry Pressure to Maintain Edgy Image
Miley admitted feeling compelled by industry expectations to keep projecting a “troubled, high” persona—although she was actually sober during 2019’s She Is Coming era. She found herself penning tracks like “Unholy” that described binge drinking, despite disliking them on a personal level, calling herself a fraud. She recalled how advisors urged her: don’t reveal your sobriety, lest her youthful fanbase consider her uncool .
Reflection and Public Transparency
Miley said she doesn’t regret the time she “went hard,” though she wouldn’t recommend it to others. Having survived that period, she openly shares her past as inspiration and a cautionary tale. She also experienced a brief relapse during the COVID-19 pandemic but recovered within two weeks. Today, she emphasizes daily clarity: not regretting drugs themselves, but the decisions made while under their influence.
What It Means for Her Career
Cyrus’s newfound honesty coincides with the release of Something Beautiful (2025), which highlights her journey through addiction and recovery. She credits sobriety with enabling her to live fully and consistently with purpose—and not just for show. She attributes this dramatic personal evolution to lessons learned—particularly the mantra “don’t get furious, get curious”—offered as guidance through her recovery.
Legacy of Growth and Authenticity
From chart-topping hits and shock-value performances to serious self-examination, Miley Cyrus continues to evolve. By revealing her methods for hiding drug use and the pressures behind them, she’s humanizing her star image—opening the door for fans to understand that fame and artistic freedom often carry personal costs.
Conclusion: From Chaos to Clarity
Miley Cyrus’s journey from masking drug use with creative bookkeeping to embracing full transparency reflects a powerful evolution—both personally and professionally. Her willingness to confront her past, acknowledge the industry’s pressures, and share her sobriety journey provides fans with more than just entertainment: it offers authenticity. By speaking out, she not only reclaims control of her narrative but helps destigmatize recovery in the spotlight.
