How Miley Cyrus Hid Her Drug Spending Without Her Accountant Noticing

Fame isn’t exactly a normal way to grow up, and it’s not hard to see why so many child stars end up struggling with parts of it. Living in the public eye from a young age means very little privacy, a ton of pressure, and many chances to go off track.

For some, it becomes too much. The list of young celebrities who’ve faced serious problems with addiction is long—Macaulay Culkin, Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Bynes, Drew Barrymore. And Miley Cyrus was one of them.

Miley has been famous for most of her life. She was just 13 when she became a household name thanks to her role in Hannah Montana, which debuted in 2006. Being the daughter of country star Billy Ray Cyrus helped, but it was clear early on that she wasn’t just riding on a last name—she was building her career.

Since then, she’s reinvented herself several times over, both musically and personally. In 2023, she hit a new milestone when her song "Flowers" won a Grammy, marking a major high point after years of evolution and public scrutiny. But behind all of that success was a rough patch that took some time to get through.

Miley Cyrus has maintained sobriety since 2019.

For all the glitter and chart-toppers, there was a period in her life that was a lot less polished. Like many child stars, Cyrus had her run-in with substance use.

She’s talked openly about it in interviews over the years—not to shock anyone, but more to explain where she’s been and how far she’s come. Back in 2020, during a conversation with Zane Lowe, she made it clear she wasn’t trying to preach sobriety to anyone else.

“I don’t think that everyone has to be sober,” she said. “Everyone has to do what’s best for them.” For her, though, the tipping point was simple. “I don’t have a problem with drinking; I have a problem with the decisions I make once I go past [a certain] level. I’ve just been wanting to wake up 100 percent, 100 percent of the time.”GC Images

The singer recently revealed how she kept her drug expenses hidden from her accountant.

That clarity didn’t come overnight. In fact, during the time she was working on her 2015 album Miley Cyrus & Her Dead Petz, things looked very different.

Drugs weren’t just in the picture—they were a regular expense. And apparently, her accountant was none the wiser, thanks to a bit of creative phrasing.

On a recent episode of the Every Single Album podcast, Cyrus admitted that she used to hide her drug spending by labeling it as something more socially acceptable and less likely to raise financial red flags.

“The drugs were the biggest cost, which to hide those from my accountant, we called them vintage clothes,” she said. “And so she would get these checks. That happens on touring all the time.”

She even had a go-to explanation ready.

“Every time she saw me, she'd be like, ‘Where's that, like, $15,000 original John Lennon T-shirt that you bought?’ It’s like, ‘Oh, it’s upstairs. We just really want to protect it. It’s really delicate.’”GC Images

Cyrus, now 32, laughed while recalling just how many “vintage clothes” she claimed to have bought that year. “I bought a lot of vintage clothes that year,” she added with a smirk.

But beneath the humor is something else—a genuine sense of relief that she made it through.

“I’m so glad I survived that time in my life,” she said. “I would definitely not encourage anyone else to go this hard, but the fact that I got through it, I’m very glad I got to do it.”

There’s no polished ending here, no grand message. Just a woman who’s seen both sides of fame and figured out how to stand on her terms.

Miley Cyrus might not have all the answers, but she’s clearly come a long way from writing off her drug budget as thrifted band tees, and she’s not pretending otherwise.

Miley Cyrus's experience reflects a broader trend among child stars, often facing immense pressures from fame that can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Dr. Dan Kindlon, a child psychologist, emphasizes that young celebrities often lack the guidance and structure needed during formative years. This absence can result in emotional turbulence and poor financial decisions, as they may seek escape through substances or lavish spending.

He advises that having a strong support network and engaging in age-appropriate activities can mitigate these risks. Encouraging open dialogue about mental health can also empower young stars to seek help when needed.

Financial experts emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in managing wealth, especially for young celebrities like Miley Cyrus. Farnoosh Torabi, a financial expert, highlights that many young stars lack the financial literacy to navigate their earnings effectively.

To avoid pitfalls, she recommends establishing a financial team that includes accountants, financial advisors, and mentors who can guide them in making informed decisions. Regular financial education workshops can also equip young individuals with the tools they need to make sound investments and avoid reckless spending habits.

Understanding the Deeper Patterns

The challenges faced by child stars such as Miley Cyrus illuminate the need for comprehensive support systems, both emotionally and financially. Experts like Dr. Kindlon and Farnoosh Torabi emphasize that fostering a culture of openness and education can significantly improve outcomes for young celebrities. By prioritizing mental health support and financial literacy, the entertainment industry can help mitigate the risks associated with fame. As noted by Torabi, understanding finance is crucial for long-term success, allowing these individuals to thrive beyond their initial fame.

Ultimately, investing in both emotional and financial well-being can lead to healthier transitions into adulthood for child stars.