When he began using opioids, he experienced a burst of euphoria he had never before felt. Derived from the dried flower of the cannabis plant, marijuana is a drug often used for recreational purposes. The active ingredient in the substance is THC, a psychoactive chemical that produces pleasurable effects. In February 2016, rapper Macklemore released “The Unruly Mess I’ve Made,” a record in which addiction is a recurring topic. A few months later, he met with President Barack alcohol rehab Obama at the White House to discuss the realities of this disease. Tracks like “Starting Over” and “Kevin” delve into the complexities of relapse, remorse, and the continual challenge of combatting addiction.
- Not long ago Sosa finished his stint at a rehab center, though we know what his response was to that.
- Despite its health risks, marijuana continues to be championed by rappers today.
- At Recovery Unplugged, all information published on our website has been rigorously medically reviewed by a doctorate level medical professional, and cross checked to ensure medical accuracy.
Prevalence of Substance Use in Rap Music
Flav’s addiction was so severe that his family had to stage an intervention, which eventually led him to check himself into the Betty Ford Center to treat his crack-cocaine addiction. Although the UK isn’t experiencing a full-blown opioid epidemic like America, the numbers show it’s still becoming a problem – prescriptions for opioid-based painkillers have increased by more than 60 per cent in the past decade. Official statistics show Tramadol was implicated in 220 drug-related deaths in England in 2018 compared to just seven in 1998. And Oxycodone, the opioid many believe is at the centre of America’s epidemic, was implicated in 79 deaths in England in 2018 compared to zero deaths just ten years earlier. In the 1960s and 1970s, LSD and heroin helped musicians break on through to the other side, while cocaine gave 1980s pop music its turbo charge.

Notable Rappers with Drug Addiction
These resources can help rappers navigate the challenges of addiction and provide them with the necessary tools for recovery. While rappers who dont do drugs drugs and music can be close bedfellows, we’d all much rather have our favorite artists alive and healthy than partying like a rockstar and headed toward an early grave. It’s important to take a step back and remember that not everyone needs to be high to be dope. In that same piece, Em is quoted as saying, “I had to regain motor skills, I had to regain talking skills.” His drug use affected him so severely that he had to relearn how to talk and how to rap. Relearn he did, but as much as we all might want a new, incredible Eminem album, I try to mostly just stay thankful that he’s still alive. When you picture the lives of your favorite famous singers you might imagine them popping bottles of champagne after their sold out concerts or drinking Grey Goose at A-List parties.
- During this time, he also began misusing Xanax and other sedative medications.
- Inpatient drug rehab stays typically last 28–90 days, tailored to individual needs, addiction severity, and progress for lasting recovery.
- However, not all artists need to spark the ‘bud’ to produce fire vocals on the beat.
- His brothers sold crack and were frequently incarcerated, and his mother and sisters endured sexual abuse.
- Despite being connected to the mainstream party culture, Common parties clean.
Every Eminem Album, Ranked By Fans
Some of today’s biggest names like Lil Wayne and Kid Cudi, among others, have spent much of their careers looking for a way to cope with their own personal traumas. Many times, the glamorization of substance use is in their rhymes, peppering hooks with one-liners that speak to those internal struggles. But despite drug culture’s influence over music and trends, a number of the game’s favorite artists embrace sobriety. Although Chop doesn’t do drugs, he does enjoy smoking hookah while in the studio. These days, prescription drugs seem to be a part of the rapper starter kit.
Sober Rappers Who Don’t Drink or Do Drugs
Greatest resurrection story since Jesus Christ,” one user wrote on Twitter. Despite the frequent protests for his immediate prison release, it’s almost as if some fans approved of his demise once it was over because it somehow forced him to make better music. Twitter users seemingly encouraged such behavior, leveraging musical satisfaction over the well-being of the XO artist. In November 2017, Lil Peep posted a series of messages, images and videos to Instagram. In one post, he talked about how he relied on prescription pills for happiness, but that the feeling was always fleeting. As he explained, in 2014, when he began experiencing success in his career, Chance moved to North Hollywood and was high on Xanax every day.
- Early in his career, he used cocaine and marijuana to cope with newfound fame and alleviate his years-long battle with anxiety and depression.
- Eminem has often discussed his struggles with addiction in his music.
- Rappers continue to use their influence to make a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with addiction and to promote a culture of recovery and redemption.
How Does Inpatient Alcohol Rehab Work?

Four years later, while living with his grandmother, he began selling crack. He was arrested for selling cocaine to an undercover officer at age 19. Drug and alcohol mentions can influence adolescents to engage in substance use, according to Eric Beeson, a licensed professional counselor for the online master’s in counseling program at Northwestern University. However, it’s crucial to recognize that while these tracks offer valuable insights into addiction, there’s a potential danger of them inadvertently making drug use seem more acceptable. It’s essential for listeners to grasp the risks and implications fully.

What Is Acute Inpatient Alcohol Rehab and How Does It Work
“…I actually looked in the mirror and saw myself deteriorating. I was like man we’re doing too much. Way too much.” Along with being sober, Andre 3000 has also been a vegetarian for nearly two decades. Take a look at this list and find out which of your favorite rap stars abstain from drugs and alcohol. Acute inpatient alcohol rehab provides short-term, medically supervised care with detox, therapy, and structured support to stabilize early recovery. These initiatives play a crucial role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging individuals to seek help.
Average Length of Stay in Inpatient Drug Rehab Centers
Through his narratives, Macklemore reinforces that recovery is an ongoing journey, and occasional lapses don’t mean defeat. This Grammy award-winning rapper has went on to become quite the scene-stealer on the big screen. Much of the energy he has that’s allowed him to grow as an actor, as an artist came from his stringent regiment of working out, staying away from the beedis and the brews.
