Many of the substances tied to that image carry serious health risks, and British rock star Billy Idol has had firsthand experience with several of them during different periods of his life.
His career spans many years, and throughout that time he has spoken honestly about the impact drugs had on his personal life and his music career.
While discussing his past addiction and the process of becoming sober, Idol said it can feel unsettling to see people begin experimenting with drugs later in life.
He explained that it seems strange when someone manages to avoid drugs for decades and then decides to start using them later on.
When the discussion turned to how he eventually stopped using heroin, Idol explained that he went through a period where he experimented with several other substances.
He told Maher: “Well, when you are trying to get off heroin, what do you go to.”
After Idol shared the story, both he and Maher laughed about how strange the advice sounded when it was said out loud.
The musician made it clear that he was describing a personal experience rather than recommending the same approach to anyone else.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s disruptive effects on their brain and behavior and regain control of their lives.”
Regarding proper care for addiction, the organization explained: “Research shows that when treating addictions to opioids (prescription pain relievers or drugs like heroin or fentanyl), medication should be the first line of treatment, usually combined with some form of behavioral therapy or counseling. Medications are also available to help treat addiction to alcohol and nicotine.”
