Josh Peck Reveals Past Struggles with Addiction During ‘Drake & Josh’ Days
3 min readRobin L Marshall/WireImage
Josh Peck Reveals Past Struggles with Addiction on Latest Podcast Episode
Josh Peck, known for his role in Nickelodeon’s hit series “Drake & Josh,” recently opened up about his past struggles with addiction during a candid discussion on his “Good Guys” podcast. The former child star, now 37, reflected on his turbulent years, revealing that while he wasn’t constantly abusing drugs during the show’s run, his substance use escalated significantly towards the end.
Peck’s conversation with comedian Ms. Pat was filled with both humor and honesty. Joking about his experiences, Peck said he “was on everything but skates,” a sentiment that Ms. Pat humorously echoed, expressing disbelief that her kids had been watching him on TV without knowing about his drug use. “You mean to tell me all this time my kids were watching your ‘lil chunky ass, you were high?” she exclaimed. Peck clarified that his drug abuse became particularly severe during the third and fourth seasons of “Drake & Josh.”
This isn’t the first time Peck has spoken about his struggles. Last year, during an episode of “Cancelled with Tana Mongeau,” he detailed how his issues intensified after losing weight at 17, just as he started working on the show. Peck explained that he felt immense pressure to fit in and “catch up” with his peers, leading him to experiment with drugs. Despite achieving his weight loss goal, he realized that it didn’t solve his underlying issues.
“I lost all this weight but I was the same head in a different body,” Josh Peck shared. “I thought, ‘I’m at the finish line. I did it. Now I just don’t have to worry about anything.’ But that’s not how it worked out at all.” He continued, “Quickly, I was still plagued with the same thoughts and issues that had affected me my whole life—dad issues, you name it. I remember thinking, ‘Why would anyone ever want to feel any other way but this?’ And I took that deep breath I’d been seeking my whole life. Suddenly, I felt free.”
Josh Peck described his first drug experience at 17 as “the most insidious or corrosive moment of my life.” The initial euphoria made him feel charming and confident, but it was a temporary escape that led to a deeper descent into substance abuse. Thankfully, his journey with addiction was relatively short-lived. By the time he was 21, Peck had committed to sobriety, a commitment he has maintained despite a few “close calls” in the years since.
During the podcast, Ms. Pat also shared her own family’s struggles with addiction, adding depth to the conversation. She revealed that her sister had been battling crack addiction for years, providing a stark reminder of how substance abuse can affect individuals and their loved ones.
“Drake & Josh,” which premiered in January 2004 and concluded in September 2007 with a wrap-up movie in December 2008, was a significant part of Peck’s early career. The show’s success and his subsequent fame did not shield him from personal struggles, but Peck’s openness about his past offers a powerful narrative of resilience and recovery.
Today, Josh Peck continues to thrive, having overcome his addiction and remained sober. His story serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of facing one’s demons and seeking help. Peck’s journey from a troubled youth to a sober, successful adult is a testament to his strength and determination.
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