Hip Hop Legend Timbaland Discusses OxyContin Addiction
Timothy Mosley, known by hip hop fans as Timbaland, recently admitted to nearly overdosing on OxyContin in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. The 45-year-old four-time Grammy Award winner who has worked with Jay-Z, Beyonce and many other musical stars, said that he was addicted to OxyContin and almost died in an incident three years ago.
“All I can tell you is that there was a light,” he said recalling the experience. “I woke up trying to catch my breath, like I was underwater. But through the whole thing I saw life – I saw where I would be if I don’t change and where I could be if I did.”
Timbaland said he began taking the prescription drug in his thirties to help with nerve pain from a gunshot wound he suffered as a teenager. His use eventually spun out of control, and as his intake increased, his success in music and in relationships decreased. This led to a cycle of depression and addiction, according to Timbaland.
“Music is a gift and a curse,” he said in his interview. “Once you’re not popping, it plays with your mind. The pills helped block out the noise – I’d just sleep all day.”
According to the musician, producer and songwriter, he was able to shake the addiction three years ago after gradually lessening his doses.
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