Pete Davidson, the comedian known for his candid approach to personal struggles, has recently opened up about his battle with addiction, which culminated in a significant decision to enter rehabilitation. In a revealing interview with Variety, Davidson reflected on a particularly challenging period during the summer of 2023 when he found himself grappling with substance misuse.
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This past summer marked a year since Davidson departed from the long-running sketch show, Saturday Night Live, and the release of his semi-autobiographical series, Bupkis. The show touches upon aspects of his life, including past traumas, but intensified his struggles with mental health during its production. “I was getting a bit tangled in my own narrative,” he admitted, revealing that he turned to drugs as a coping mechanism during this tumultuous time.
Davidson disclosed that his substance use escalated to alarming levels, revealing, “It was K [ketamine]. I was getting liquid and cooking it. And I would do acid and shrooms and whippets, and smoke weed all day and eat pills every day.” He described the experience as “scary,” noting that rather than providing relief, the drugs left him feeling worse. “I didn’t feel high. I felt high when I wasn’t doing it, so I was like, this is a huge problem,” he explained.
A pivotal moment for Davidson came in the form of an emotional FaceTime call from his mother, who voiced her deep fears for his wellbeing. “She told me her biggest fear was waking up one day to see on the news that something bad had happened to me,” he recounted. This heartfelt conversation acted as a catalyst for Davidson, prompting him to reconsider his lifestyle and prioritise sobriety.
Following this realisation, Davidson made the decision to step away from his project, Bupkis, and sought help through inpatient rehabilitation. Reflecting on this choice, he noted, “When I turned 30, it was a real low point. Nothing much was going on with my career and I was like, ‘This f—in’ sucks. I can’t do it anymore.’” He stressed that motivation for recovery has to come from within, stating, “It can’t be for anyone or for a job. You really have to want it, and when you’re done, you’re done.”
In the wake of his treatment, Davidson revealed that he has adopted a sober lifestyle, now consuming only four beers a year. “I don’t f— with drugs anymore. It’s been two or three years from doing really hard stuff and about a year or more from weed,” he shared. The comedian attributes part of his success to his role as a father to his daughter, Scottie, whom he shares with ex-partner Elsie Hewitt. “Anytime there’s ever a thought, I look at my phone background and go, ‘Oh yeah, no,’” he remarked, indicating that thoughts of his daughter anchor him in sobriety.
Davidson also candidly discussed his journey during a recent comedy show alongside fellow comedians John Mulaney and Jon Stewart. He opened the performance with a light-hearted reference to his recent rehab stint, stating, “I am fresh out of rehab, everyone. I got that post-rehab glow. Seventh time’s the charm!” This approach to sharing his experience with addiction has resonated with many, as he continues to shed light on the realities of recovery.
In June 2023, it was confirmed that Davidson had entered rehab to address challenges related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. He had previously acknowledged stints in rehabilitation in February 2020 and in 2016, demonstrating a long-standing battle with mental health issues.
Davidson’s openness about his struggles serves not only as a testament to his resilience but also as a reminder of the importance of seeking help when faced with overwhelming challenges. The journey towards recovery is often arduous, yet his experiences can inspire those who are grappling with similar issues to pursue support and healing.
For anyone facing challenges with substance abuse, resources are available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP for confidential assistance and guidance.