In her forthcoming memoir, “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me,” iconic actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg delves into her past struggle with cocaine addiction, shedding light on the pivotal moments that led to her path to recovery.
The EGOT winner, now 68, candidly shares her journey through the allure of drug culture during her rise to fame in the 1980s.
Recalling the glamorous parties of New York and Hollywood, Goldberg reveals how drugs like cocaine were commonplace, with bowls of Quaaludes and lines of cocaine readily available for guests.
Goldberg admits to initially believing she could manage her drug use, attributing her ability to function to her belief that cocaine wasn’t as harmful as perceived.
However, her perception shifted when the drug began to take its toll, leading to disturbing hallucinations and moments of paranoia.
One pivotal moment came during a stay at a Manhattan hotel, where a chance encounter with a housekeeper forced Goldberg to confront the reality of her addiction.
Seeing her reflection in a mirror coated with cocaine served as a wake-up call, prompting her to make the decision to break free from the grips of addiction.
Through changes in her social circle and a conscious effort to distance herself from environments conducive to drug use, Goldberg ultimately found her path to sobriety.
Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledges the role luck played in her recovery but admitted to the role played by her unwavering determination to live a healthier life.
“Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me,” set to release on May 7, promises to offer readers a deeply personal insight into Goldberg’s life, from her close relationships to her triumph over adversity.
