Macklemore has recently relapsed, and he is speaking out about it.
The 39-year-old rapper admitted on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” that the COVID-19 pandemic prevented him from going to live 12-step sessions, which contributed to his relapse.
“I am a recovered addict, alcoholic and have been for the last 14 years,” he stated in a clip from the show, broadcast online Tuesday. “My recovery community attends physical 12-step sessions frequently. The addiction sickness was like, “Yo, this is crazy,” when those quit, leaving me all alone. The universe has halted. You can use drugs.”
Benjamin Haggerty, aka Macklemore, stated he “stopped doing the things that kept me from getting high, and I listened to that voice,” as a result.
It was a terrible setback that lasted a few weeks, he continued. That was a reminder that whatever I put in front of my recovery will be the first thing that I lose. “I’m still working on trust issues with myself and within my tight circle of friends,” the author said.
Recovery isn’t always “a linear road,” according to Macklemore.
It’s the only illness that informs you, “You don’t have a disease,” the speaker continued. “I’m doing my hardest,”
Macklemore discussed how his relapse affected the creation of his upcoming studio album, “BEN,” which will be released on Friday.
It causes some introspective moments, he claimed. “The relapse gave me the chance to ask myself, “OK, what happened?” once more. Let’s get vulnerable and talk about it. And what are you currently reluctant to say? You must put your trust in that.”
You can contact the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-4357 if you or someone you know is dealing with a substance use disorder. The assistance is free, private, and offered in both English and Spanish.