Bristol Palin marked one year of sobriety while also opening up about her ongoing struggle with facial paralysis, sharing both milestones with raw honesty and determination.
At a Glance
- Bristol Palin recently celebrated one year of sobriety on Instagram.
- She has been publicly dealing with facial paralysis, possibly Bell’s palsy.
- The condition has left her with numbness and visible facial immobility.
- Despite inconclusive tests and treatments, she reports small signs of improvement.
- Her candid updates have inspired many facing similar health or recovery battles.
A Year Without Alcohol and a New Clarity
Bristol Palin recently passed a personal milestone—365 days without alcohol. While she described herself as never having been a heavy drinker, the decision to fully embrace sobriety gave her a renewed sense of mental clarity. “This year of having a completely sober mind has allowed me to reevaluate a lot,” she said in an Instagram post, celebrating her journey on March 31.
Palin noted that sobriety helped her gain deeper self-awareness and rethink many parts of her life. “Which sounds dramatic,” she added, “because I’ve never been a big ‘drinker.’” But for her, the impact has been deeply transformative.
Facing a Health Crisis in the Public Eye
Alongside her sobriety journey, Bristol has been dealing with a daunting medical condition: facial paralysis, which she first noticed in January. “My mouth was pulling this way and it just felt a little off,” she recalled. “I looked in the mirror. I’m like ‘Wow. This is looking a little weird.’”
Doctors suspect she may be suffering from Bell’s palsy, but despite undergoing various medical tests and treatments—including steroids—her symptoms remain unresolved. “I’ve spent the last 35 days doing something every single day to try to fix this, and nothing has helped so far,” she admitted candidly.
Still, she remains hopeful. Noting that she’s beginning to feel pain and sensation returning to her face, she described these discomforts as signs of potential healing. “I know I look crazy right now,” she said, “but this has been such an improvement from what I was looking like.”
Watch Bristol’s update on her facial paralysis.
Embracing Imperfection and Inspiring Others
Palin’s openness about her health and sobriety has resonated deeply with her followers. She’s spoken honestly about managing daily life with a condition that affects her appearance and speech, even joking, “If I just keep my mouth shut, it’s not as noticeable.” Her vulnerability has become a source of encouragement to others facing personal or physical challenges.
By chronicling her experience publicly, Palin is helping normalize conversations about both mental and physical wellness. Her reflections remind others that progress is often imperfect—and that resilience can shine through even the hardest seasons.
As she continues to share her journey, Bristol Palin is not only navigating her recovery but also serving as a testament to perseverance, self-acceptance, and the strength found in small victories.
