LIVING LIFE –
June 16, 2025 – He battled addiction, faced relapses, and rebuilt his life and music around sobriety. He rose to fame with hits like Thrift Shop and Can’t Hold Us, but behind the success lay a long struggle with drugs. The singer has been transparent about his journey, channelling it into honest, personal songs like Otherside, Chant, and the album Ben
- Macklemore entered rehab in 2008 at age 25 after years of drug and alcohol abuse.
- He experienced at least three major relapses—in 2011, 2014, and during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- Macklemore’s 2020 relapse led to a near-fatal excess of drug use, but he recovered and returned to sobriety.
- He draws music inspiration from his sobriety and relapse experiences.
- Songs like Otherside, Drug Dealer, and Chant, as well as tracks from Ben, openly address addiction.
- Macklemore has spoken publicly about addiction and recovery with outlets like People, Rolling Stone, and TODAY.
- He hopes his transparency helps reduce stigma and inspires others to seek help.
