In a recent appearance on The Art of Dialogue podcast, 36-year-old rapper Bow Wow, born Shad Gregory Moss, opened up about a harrowing moment from his past. He ended up in the hospital due to his addiction to lean. The syrup combines promethazine and codeine-based cough syrup with soft drinks.
Reflecting on his experience when he collaborated with Omarion in 2007 for their Face Off album, Bow Wow revealed the extent of his dependency on lean, admitting to consuming it heavily. He described a lifestyle where he was “sipping so much syrup” and drinking it “all day long.” This led to a state of constant irritation and ultimately putting health at risk.
The rapper recounted an incident during a tour co-headlined with Chris Brown in Cincinnati, where he collapsed after a performance. Rushed to the hospital, Bow Wow’s health took a severe turn. This prompted his return home to Atlanta for further medical attention. He described experiencing intense symptoms of withdrawal, including vomiting, shivering, and sweating, unaware at the time that his body was reacting to the absence of lean.
Bow Wow credited his late publicist, Pattie Webster, with helping him manage the situation. She released a statement attributing his departure from the tour to dehydration rather than revealing his struggle with addiction. He emphasized this pivotal role in preserving his image while focusing on recovery.
How the health scare changed things
The rapper acknowledged that the health scare served as a wake-up call. It prompted him to reassess his lifestyle choices. He described the excruciating pain he endured during his withdrawal as the worst experience of his life. Bow Wow emphasized that he no longer engages in hard drugs, opting instead for tequila and weed while maintaining clear boundaries.
Bow Wow’s candid discussion comes in the wake of his earlier revelation in 2018, following the death of Mac Miller, where he publicly shared his battle with substance abuse. Urging youth to steer clear of drugs, he emphasized the importance of staying drug-free and being mindful of the consequences of substance abuse.
Here is how you can become strong and come out of any such addictions.
Acknowledge the Problem
The first step towards overcoming addiction is acknowledging its presence. Admitting that you have a problem is not a sign of weakness but a courageous act of self-awareness. Be honest with yourself about the impact addiction has had on your life and the lives of those around you.
Seek Support
You don’t have to face addiction alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family members, or support groups who can provide encouragement, guidance, and accountability. Professional counseling or therapy can also be invaluable in addressing underlying issues contributing to addiction.
Set Goals
Establish clear and achievable goals for your recovery journey. Whether committing to sobriety, attending regular therapy sessions, or participating in support group meetings, having specific objectives can help keep you focused and motivated.
Develop Healthy Habits
Replace destructive habits with positive ones that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in regular exercise, prioritize nutritious meals, and practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or deep breathing. Also, cultivate hobbies and interests that bring joy and fulfillment.
Identify Triggers
Understand the situations, emotions, or environments that trigger your addictive behaviors and develop strategies to cope with them effectively. This may involve avoiding certain people or places, practicing mindfulness, or utilizing healthy distractions during cravings.
Take Responsibility
Accept responsibility for your actions and choices, recognizing that you have the power to change your life for the better. Instead of dwelling on past mistakes or setbacks, focus on the present moment and the steps you can take to move forward.
Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind and compassionate towards yourself throughout the recovery process. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of the journey, and forgive yourself for any relapses or slip-ups. Treat yourself with the same empathy and understanding that you would extend to a loved one facing similar challenges.
Celebrate Milestones
Celebrate your progress and achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Each day of sobriety is a victory worth acknowledging. Each step forward brings you closer to a life free from addiction.
Stay Committed
Recovery is a lifelong journey that requires ongoing commitment and dedication. Stay vigilant in maintaining your sobriety. Remember that you are capable of overcoming any obstacles that come your way.
Summing Up
Breaking free from addiction is a courageous and empowering process that requires inner strength, resilience, and determination. By embracing these strategies and seeking support from others, you can reclaim control of your life. Remember, you are stronger than your addiction, and you have the power to write your own story of recovery and redemption.
Garima Bais, a content creator since 2015, delivers unmatched quality with a personal touch. She is an expert in niches like beauty, fashion, digital marketing, health, parenting, travel, and home improvement. An Extremely positive person, she wishes to extend a helping hand to people dealing with problems who have no one to share them with.
