Billy Idol Claims Smoking Crack Helped Him Quit Heroin: ‘It Worked’

Billy Idol, the iconic musician known for hits like “White Wedding,” has revealed an unexpected method he employed to overcome his heroin addiction. During a recent appearance on the podcast *Club Random with Bill Maher*, Idol shared that he turned to crack cocaine as a way to wean himself off heroin—a confession that startled many listeners.

In the interview, Idol candidly explained, “Once you’re trying to get off heroin, what do you go to? You go to something else.” He elaborated on this unorthodox approach, stating, “I started smoking crack to get off heroin. It worked. It worked.” This admission underscores the complexities and challenges associated with addiction recovery, highlighting the sometimes desperate choices individuals make in their battle against substance dependence.

The conversation also touched upon Idol’s near-fatal experience with heroin in London back in 1984, a time when he was basking in the success of his second album, *Rebel Yell*. Reflecting on that period, he described feeling triumphant as he returned to England to celebrate his achievements. However, that celebration took a dark turn. “We flew to London where we met a load of our pals that we knew. They had some of the strongest heroin… I was basically dying. I was turning blue,” Idol recalled, revealing the challenges he faced during his excessive partying days.

In a somewhat harrowing account, he recounted how friends tried to revive him with cold baths and walking him on the rooftop to regain consciousness. These experiences are stark reminders of the dangers that often accompany the rock and roll lifestyle, where drug use was prevalent and frequently glorified.

Idol’s struggles with addiction did not conclude with that incident. He mentioned in his documentary, titled *Billy Idol Should Be Dead*, that a particularly wild trip to Bangkok marked a turning point in his life. While there, he and a companion caused approximately $75,000 in damages to a hotel, a chaotic episode that prompted him to reassess his choices. At this stage of his life, he was also a young father, with his son Willem born in 1988.

The death-defying escapades of his youth have since been followed by a concerted effort to embrace sobriety. Idol shared in an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE* that he now identifies as “California sober.” He described his decision to abandon drug use following a severe motorcycle accident in 1990 that nearly cost him his leg. This life-changing event catalysed straightforward reflection and a desire to move beyond the destructive habits that had characterised his earlier years.

Idol expressed relief that he has achieved a degree of self-control, stating, “It took a long time, but gradually I did achieve some sort of discipline where I’m not really the same kind of guy I was in the ’80s.” While he acknowledges that recovery is a continuous journey—one that may always include the identity of being a former addict—Idol maintains that he no longer engages in substance abuse as he once did.

Now, he enjoys a far healthier relationship with alcohol, indicating that he can appreciate a glass of wine occasionally without it leading to the compulsion he faced in the past. “I don’t have to do nothing,” he mentioned, emphasising his distance from the addictive behaviours of his youth.

Idol’s documentary, *Billy Idol Should Be Dead*, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, providing audiences with insight into his tumultuous journey. The film delves deeply into his life, exploring both the highs of fame and the lows of addiction, and was released for public viewing on February 26.

For those grappling with issues of substance abuse, support is available. The SAMHSA helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP, offering assistance for anyone in need. Billy Idol’s journey reflects not only the struggles of addiction but also the possibility of redemption, showcasing his evolution from a rock icon to a more grounded individual. His story underscores the importance of seeking help and the ongoing process of recovery, a message that resonates with many.