From the early days in Eminem’s career, he rapped about substance abuse. His debut album “The Slim Shady LP” is filled with lyrics about hallucinogens (“My Fault”), alcohol, and sleeping pills (“If I Had”). And while it’s difficult to determine what’s based on reality versus fantasy in the rapper’s lyrics, Eminem later admitted drug use in his personal life. “I used to get pills wherever I could,” he admitted to The New York Times. “I was just taking anything that anybody was giving to me,” the rapper added. The abuse continued and as Eminem explained in another interview with The New York Times, “I was the worst kind of addict, a functioning addict.” According to the rapper, “I was so deep into my addiction at one point that I couldn’t picture myself being able to do anything without some kind of drug.” Then in 2007, Eminem reached rock bottom with his substance abuse and overdosed on methadone.

Reportedly, one month after the overdose Eminem started taking more pills again. But to his credit, Eminem checked himself into a hospital for rehab. As part of his journey towards recovery, Eminem revisited concert videos and interviews during the peak of his drug use. “I want to see what I looked like when I was on drugs, so I never go back to it,” the rapper explained. According to Eminem, staying sober to care for his children was also the main reason for self-improvement (via The New York Times).

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).