Eminem Struggles with Drug Addiction

Rap legend Eminem has been through quite a fight since he left the music scene in 2005. The rapper became addicted to painkillers and has been through rehab and relapses. In an interview with Vibe magazine this month, Eminem opens up about his past few years, what helped him get sober, and where he hopes his future will lead.

Dangerous Drug Scene

Eminem, Marshall Mathers, has been described as the biggest rapper in history. He has sold over 30 million albums and won an Oscar and numerous Grammys. But like many others in the music industry, the stress of traveling and performing, and the night life led him to drugs. Painkillers were Eminem’s drug of choice, sometimes taking 20 pills a day. He entered into rehab, relapsed on methadone pills, and nearly killed himself. That wasn’t enough, however, and he relapsed again. Like so many of the rest of us, his struggle with substance abuse was filled with ups and downs as he tried to free his life from drugs. And also like many people, Eminem says he turned to drugs when he was stressed by work. Coupled with a busy lifestyle, plenty of money, and pressures from others doing drugs, it is easy to see how someone in can fall into addiction.

A good friend

Eminem knew he had a problem, and wisely sought out help. Someone that was instrumental in helping him out of his addiction was an unlikely friend. Elton John and Eminem had become friends ever the years as they talked about the music business and performed together at the Grammys. Elton John, a former cocaine addict, was more than willing to give his advice and support to the young rapper, and Eminem credits Elton John as being a good friend and helping him stay sober.

Back to Life

Eminem has worked hard to get back into the music business and has recently completed his sixth studio CD. This album touches on many of the issues Eminem dealt with while fighting his drug addiction. The album, entitled “Relapse”, has a mosaic of the rapper made out of tiny pills on the cover. He talks about addiction and overdose in some of the songs, as well as the dark side of his mind. Some would say that Eminem is still working through some tough issues, such as the temptation to relapse, mental illness, and depression. The album is expected to be a hit with fans, however, who are thrilled with the comeback.

Eminem has been clean for a year now, and has worked hard in the studio with his rap songs in order to keep away from the drugs. Being back in the business that brought him to his addiction is bound to be difficult, but like all addicts, it takes willpower and support to replace the addiction with positive activities. Recovering addicts are encouraged to find a hobby, or new friends, or something to do to replace that addiction. For Eminem, it’s rap.

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Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse. This evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are designed to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result. Please be aware that this evaluation is not a substitute for advice from a medical doctor.