During a recent interview on 60 Minutes, Pink, now 44, candidly discussed her harrowing experience with a life-threatening overdose during her teenage years. Additionally, she revealed her inclination to share the darkest chapters of her past with her devoted fans. Opening up about her tumultuous upbringing, Pink recounted growing up in a household engulfed in constant yelling, violence, and animosity between her parents. This tumultuous environment eventually led her down a destructive path of drug use and even selling drugs herself. Consequently, Pink was ultimately kicked out of her home, resulting in her dropping out of high school and a period of unruly behavior.
At the age of 16, Pink, also known as Alecia Moore, had a pivotal moment that prompted her to recognize the necessity for a transformation. Reflecting on Thanksgiving 1995, the pop star recollected an incident at a rave where she experienced an overdose. She candidly admitted to being under the influence of various substances such as ecstasy, angel dust, and crystal. This overdose was a wake-up call for Pink, as it nearly proved fatal, compelling her to promptly cease her drug use. She emphatically stated, "That was it. I had reached my limit. It was too much."
Weeks after the overdose, Pink's career took a major turn when she signed her first record deal with the girl group Choice. Although the band was short-lived, Pink quickly transitioned into a successful solo career and in 2000, she released her first solo album, Can't Take Me Home. Over the years, Pink has solidified her position as one of the biggest pop stars in the world with a massive fan base. Her recent Summer Carnival tour was a huge success, breaking attendance records at various renowned baseball stadiums like Boston's Fenway Park, Detroit's Comerica Park, and Minneapolis' Target Field.
Pink. Rich Fury/Getty Images for dcp
In the interview, Pink credited her difficult youth with helping her achieve everything she has in the music industry.
"I’ve come to recognize that the metaphorical machete I've always wielded, which was once the source of my challenging behavior as a child, is now the very reason behind my excellence in my current endeavors," she stated. "Moreover, it is the tool that empowers me as a survivor."
She continued to emphasize her fearlessness in divulging personal aspects of her life to her fans, as it contributes to fostering a stronger bond with her audience.
She inquired, "If I remain enigmatic to you, how can I anticipate a genuine connection?" She continued, "Moreover, if I'm someone who desperately craves connection, then why would mystery hold any appeal for me? I desire to understand you. I long for you to comprehend me."
If you or someone you know is grappling with substance abuse, please reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).