ROTIMI OPENS UP ABOUT ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Nigerian-American actor and musician Olurotimi Akinosho popular known as Rotimi has disclosed his struggle with alcohol addiction, revealing in a social media video how he turned to drinking as an escape from anxiety, stress and emotional pain.

In the raw video, the entertainer opened up about a period in his life when alcohol became a coping mechanism, only to leave him grappling with regret days later.

“There was a time where I was just trying to find an escape. Life was hard. I was filled with anxiety. I was stressing,” Rotimi shared. “If I had a moment to myself, I would just get some tequila, vodka make a few drinks for myself, just chill, get nice. Then wake up like, ‘Why did I do that?’“

He described the aftermath of drinking episodes, noting that the consequences extended beyond the moment. “Those drinks? Sacrificed two or three days later, man. They will be the most painful three days after. I got to work and it’s like, ‘What are you doing?’“

Adding, “All that work you put in the gym, all that work you put in eating right goes down the drain like this. All that work you do for your skin, your face, your energy, man.”

The star also revealed that there was a time he could not perform without being “a little tipsy” due to nerves and insecurity. “I used to be so nervous. I thought I was much more swaggy when I performed after a drink. But that was the enemy lying to me.”

He credited his faith and personal growth for his transformation, “I just thank God for taking that spirit out of me,” he said. “We thank God for growth. We thank God for family. We thank God for healing. I used to go through a lot of pain not even knowing that I was in pain separated from God and just looking for outlets and vices.”

He described alcohol as “demonic,” explaining the out-of-body experiences that led to blackouts and regrettable decisions. “That’s why you don’t remember things. The spirit takes over, and you’re doing insane things, not really happy with the decisions you made afterwards.”

Rotimi offered encouragement to anyone still battling addiction. “Anyone out there battling with that you’re not alone. But you will prevail. You will get to that point where it’s no longer a necessity. You don’t need it. You’re stronger than that. You prefer life without it.“