Joshua Bassett has disclosed a severe addiction to ketamine that began following the end of his relationship with Olivia Rodrigo [1, 2].
This admission highlights the mental health challenges faced by young stars under intense public scrutiny, particularly after high-profile breakups that trigger global social media discourse.
Bassett, 25 [1], detailed his struggle in his memoir, "Rookie: My Public, Private and Secret Life" [1, 2]. During an appearance on "The Zack Sang Show," he said that he turned to the substance to escape reality [1]. The catalyst for his drug use was the emotional distress following his split from Rodrigo and the subsequent release of her song "Driver's License" [1, 2].
At the height of his dependency, Bassett said he was using six baggies of ketamine every single night [2]. He described the severity of his habit as a dangerous period in his life, stating, "A miracle my life hasn't been taken" [2].
The actor, known for his role in "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series," used the drug as a coping mechanism to manage the fallout of the relationship [1, 2]. By sharing these details in his memoir and interviews, Bassett aims to provide a transparent account of his private struggles, while the world focused on the public narrative of the breakup [1].
Bassett's account emphasizes the disconnect between his public image and the internal crisis he faced during the peak of his fame [1]. He said the addiction was a direct response to the pressure and emotional instability caused by the high-profile nature of his romantic history [2].
“"I was doing six baggies of ketamine every single night"”
Bassett's disclosure underscores the volatility of 'Gen Z' stardom, where personal conflicts are amplified by viral music and social media. By linking his substance abuse to a specific public event—the release of a hit song—he illustrates how the intersection of celebrity branding and personal grief can lead to severe mental health crises.
