Pete Davidson Says He Doesn’t Remember What He Was Like at the Start of His Career: ‘I Was Such a Drug Addict’

**Pete Davidson Reflects on His Early Career and Addiction Struggles During Live Show**

Comedian Pete Davidson recently opened up about his tumultuous early years in the entertainment industry during a live recording of his Netflix series, *The Pete Davidson Show*. The event, held on Wednesday, April 22, at New York’s Capitol Theatre, provided a candid platform for Davidson to discuss his struggles with addiction and mental health disorders.

At 32 years old, Davidson candidly shared with the audience that his memory of the early days of his career is quite hazy due to his previous substance abuse. “I was such a drug addict. I don’t remember what I was like or what the time was like,” he confessed, speaking to guest comedian Sam Morril. This stark admission highlighted the extent of his challenges during that period.

When pressed by Morril about the specifics of his drug use, Davidson revealed that he frequently smoked cannabis, despite being aware of its detrimental effects. He elaborated that while he did not partake in alcohol, his drug habits expanded to include prescription medication, psychedelics, and ketamine as he gained notoriety in television. This behaviour, he noted, was driven by his battle with anxiety.

In a lighter moment, Davidson quipped to the audience that he maintained his addiction until he turned 30. The comedian’s sense of humour provided a coping mechanism as he navigated the complexities of fame and mental health.

Earlier in September 2023, Davidson had similarly spoken about his journey to sobriety during a performance with fellow comedians John Mulaney and Jon Stewart in Atlantic City. He addressed the audience by announcing his recent return from rehab, exclaiming, “I am fresh out of rehab, everyone. I got that post-rehab glow. Seventh time’s the charm!” His remarks underscored the frequency of his battles with addiction.

During the show, Davidson shared that he had been taking ketamine daily for four years, describing his experiences with the drug as “magical.” However, he also highlighted the surreal nature of his usage, recalling a particularly bizarre moment when he mixed children’s entertainment with serious themes, joking that he once imagined *The Wiggles* merging with *Schindler’s List*.

He further mentioned attending Aretha Franklin’s funeral while under the influence, exhibiting the stark and often troubling juxtaposition of his personal struggles with moments of public significance. Reflecting on the realities of getting older, Davidson advised the audience, “You can’t do drugs in your 30s because it’s not cute anymore; you’re just a drug addict.”

His experiences with rehabilitation are not new. In June 2023, it was confirmed that Davidson had checked into a rehab programme aimed at treating issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. This marked one of several admissions over the years, with Davidson having previously revealed stints in rehab in both February 2020 and 2016, acknowledging that at times he felt he had “too much access” to drugs.

Davidson’s willingness to speak openly about his struggles reflects a broader conversation about mental health and addiction, particularly within the entertainment industry. Through humour and vulnerability, he aims to shed light on these important issues, offering insight and perhaps some solace to others facing similar battles.

As his comedy career continues to evolve, Davidson’s ongoing journey of recovery and self-discovery represents not just a personal battle but also a powerful narrative that resonates with many of his fans. His story reminds us of the importance of seeking help and the challenges that often accompany the pursuit of fame in today’s world.