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Last Updated: October 25, 2024, 07:58 IST
Piyush Mishra Discusses His Journey with Alcoholism
Piyush Mishra, an accomplished figure in Indian cinema known for his roles as a film lyricist, actor, and singer, has candidly shared his struggles with alcohol addiction, a battle that spanned several decades. In a recent conversation with the Indian Express, Mishra opened up about the toll alcohol took on his life, revealing that he battled this addiction from the 1980s into the early 2000s.
Reflecting on his experiences, Mishra stated, “My condition was very poor; it had neurological effects on me. When I was under the influence, I often found myself speaking irrationally.” He explained that even during periods of sobriety, the aftereffects of his addiction would lead him to react inappropriately to situations, likening it to functioning as if he were still intoxicated. “I was on the brink of destruction; I realized that if I didn’t change, it would mean the end for me,” he added.
Mishra also acknowledged the significant ego he harbored at that time, describing it as “dangerous.” He noted, “I had an inflated sense of self-worth without any basis. Alcohol fed into this grandiosity, leading me to present myself differently than I truly was. However, life is about deflating that ego.” This perspective reflects a deeper understanding of the personal challenges that often accompany substance abuse.
He expressed regret over how alcoholism impacted not just his professional life, but his relationships with family and friends. “If I wasn’t an alcoholic, I could have achieved so much more in both quantity and quality of work,” he lamented. “My relationships suffered; I would ask others to accept me as I am, but in reality, why should they? I was anti-social. My work earned me respect, but had it not been for that, the consequences of my actions would have been dire. The way I acted, I could have easily faced serious repercussions.” Ultimately, it was through discovering a sense of self-discipline that he managed to turn his life around, stating, “Better late than never.”
In his journey toward recovery, Mishra found solace in spirituality. He shared, “Before, I didn’t understand the power of prayer, but it has provided me with strength. Discovering a higher power has been crucial. Over the past six years, my life has seen significant improvement. I pray now and feel a profound sense of peace.” His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of spirituality and personal growth in overcoming addiction.
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