The Weeknd Catches Heat For Saying He's "Sober Lite" & Doesn't Do Hard Drugs Anymore

BY Erika Marie 13.3K Views
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The Weeknd, Drugs, Sobriety, GQ
One of the hosts of the show "Intervention" believes the comments "could be really harmful" for people in recovery who may be fans of the singer.

Some of our favorite entertainers are making big moves in 2021 and it looks as if The Weeknd is next in line. The chart-topping singer has been dominating with each new release and recently, he hinted that his next wave is at its launch. The Weeknd appeared on the cover of GQ magazine's first-ever global issue and while there were several takeaways from his interview, a brief mention about his sobriety has captured attention.

He mentioned that he still consumes alcohol but not as much as he used to. "The romance of drinking isn’t there," Weeknd added, before confirming that he still smokes marijuana. However, all other drugs have been eliminated.

"No. Drugs were a crutch. It was me thinking that I needed it. And not doing the work to figure out how not to need it, said the singer. "And I’ve spent the last few years realizing that and thanking God that I don’t need it. Because for a lot of people, it’s hard to shake it. But I knew I didn’t want it." Demi Lovato also made similar remarks about being "California sober," suggesting that she smokes and drinks, but only in moderation.

The remarks didn't go unnoticed on Ken Seeley from the long-running series Intervention that has helped everyday addicts become sober since 2005. "They have millions and millions of followers and they're out there promoting this new sobriety and it could be really harmful," said Seeley. "It could kill a lot of people because if you're an addict like me, there is no 'sober lite,' there is no 'California sober.' The minute I put a mind-altering substance in my system, I'm off and running."

He added that he tried alternative sobriety methods 35 years ago. "I tried to smoke pot and I was off my drug of choice, and within months I back on my drug of choice, crystal meth." Seeley believes that these comments "take away the chance for people to get real sobriety." Check it out below.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.