Whoopi Goldberg reveals in her memoir that she battled a serious cocaine addiction in the 80s, despite getting clean from drugs in the early 70s. She describes how the party culture in Hollywood and New York at the time normalized drug use, with substances like Quaaludes and cocaine readily available at gatherings hosted by influential people in the industry. Goldberg believed she could handle cocaine and used it recreationally for about a year, managing to hide her drug use while continuing to work.
However, Goldberg’s addiction eventually spiraled out of control, leading to hallucinations and a scary incident where she believed there was a dangerous creature under her bed. This experience was a wake-up call for her, and she had a moment of clarity while hiding in a closet at a Manhattan hotel, where a housekeeper discovered her using cocaine. Seeing her reflection covered in the drug was a turning point for Goldberg, who realized she needed to make a change before it was too late.
Despite the challenges she faced, Goldberg was able to quit drugs relatively quickly, acknowledging that she would need to change her social circle and decline invitations to stay clean. She credits her ability to stop using drugs to her determination to live and her willingness to make the necessary changes in her life. Goldberg’s memoir, “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me,” delves into her personal struggles with addiction and sheds light on her journey to sobriety, offering insight into her experiences during that challenging time in her life.
The EGOT winner reflects on how easy it was to access drugs and how the glamorization of substance use in Hollywood contributed to her addiction. Despite initial feelings of invincibility, Goldberg realized the dangers of continuing down that path and made the difficult decision to prioritize her health and well-being. Her candid account of her struggles with addiction serves as a cautionary tale while also highlighting the strength and resilience she exhibited in overcoming her substance abuse issues.
Goldberg’s memoir is a testament to her honesty and vulnerability as she shares her personal story with readers. By opening up about her past struggles with addiction, she hopes to inspire others who may be facing similar challenges and show that recovery is possible. Through her journey to sobriety, Goldberg emerged stronger and more determined to live a healthier and happier life, making positive changes that have shaped her into the person she is today. “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me” offers a glimpse into Goldberg’s journey of self-discovery and transformation, showcasing the power of resilience and the importance of seeking help when facing addiction.
