Joshua Bassett, the 25-year-old star of *High School Musical: The Musical: The Series*, recently shared his harrowing journey through addiction and the vital role that community support played in his recovery. In a candid appearance on the podcast *More Life with Carl Radke*, Bassett opened up about his struggles with substance abuse, revealing that his fight began when he was just 14 years old and escalated to a life-threatening ketamine addiction by the age of 23.
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Reflecting on his formative years, Bassett recounted how his desire to fit in led him to start drinking alcohol at a young age. This initial experimentation spiralled into a harmful reliance on drugs, culminating in an intense battle with ketamine. “It really was like a daily nightmare,” he said. “It should have killed me, the level of [substance use].” His admissions highlight the devastating impact that addiction can have on one’s mental state, as he described feeling trapped in a constant state of distress, yearning to disappear rather than to end his life.
To combat his addiction, Bassett underscored the necessity of confronting the underlying pain that fuels such behaviours. He believes that merely abstaining from substances is insufficient. “If you deal with the underlying pain, the reason that you’re even reaching for the bottle, then I think that’s the solution,” he reflected. The actor emphasised the need for emotional and psychological work alongside any physical efforts to eliminate substance use. This holistic view underscores the complexities surrounding addiction and recovery.
Although Bassett has moved away from ketamine, he is open about not being completely “stone-cold sober.” He shared that he has developed a personal system that helps him maintain his sobriety. “My roommate and my best friend, we have a system of accountability,” he divulged. This support network is crucial, as he emphasised the dangers of isolation that once led him into addiction. “I was completely alone,” he noted, suggesting that his previous lack of oversight contributed significantly to his dependency.
Community and connection form the bedrock of Bassett’s approach to wellness. He opined that the opposite of addiction is indeed connection, elaborating on how genuine relationships can combat feelings of loneliness and despair. Despite the prevalence of social media, he pointed out that it often fails to offer the depth of connection necessary for true support. “Social media gives us the illusion of connection,” he asserted, highlighting a crucial distinction in modern communication.
Even as he continues his recovery, Bassett acknowledged the ongoing challenges he faces. He admitted that there are days when anxiety creeps in, yet a simple meeting with close friends can bring him back to a place of reassurance. “They kind of bring me back down to the ground,” he remarked, illustrating the powerful effect that meaningful relationships can have on mental health.
However, the actor also revealed the difficulties inherent in being open about his struggles with addiction. He described the feelings of shame and embarrassment that often arise when he falters or fails to meet his own standards. “That ironically keeps you more trapped,” he said, suggesting that a supportive environment is essential in moments of weakness. He believes that those who genuinely care will not judge or shame him for setbacks but rather offer support in rebuilding and moving forward.
Bassett’s journey has taken him through many “rock bottoms,” yet he speaks optimistically about the strength he has discovered within his community. “Eventually you just get to a point where you stop believing the lie that you can do it all yourself,” he shared, reflecting a profound understanding of the importance of vulnerability and seeking help.
For those grappling with addiction or mental health challenges, Bassett’s experience serves as a reminder of the transformative power of community. As he continues on his path to recovery, he remains an advocate for openness and connection, urging others to seek help and foster relationships that can support them through their struggles.
If you or someone you know is facing issues related to substance abuse, it is crucial to reach out for support. The SAMHSA helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP, and trained professionals can provide assistance for mental health challenges at 988 or via 988lifeline.org.