Whoopi Goldberg, the renowned actress and television host, has openly shared her struggles with drug addiction in her latest memoir.
In her book "Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me," released on May 7 by Blackstone Publishing, Goldberg provides an honest examination of her tumultuous journey with drugs and her path to sobriety.
According to People, the memoir delves deep into Goldberg's relationships with her mother, Emma Harris, and her brother, Clyde K. Johnson, both of whom have passed away.
Their influence and memories play a significant role throughout the narrative, underscoring an emotional landscape that spans Goldberg's personal trials and career triumphs.
In the early '70s, Whoopi Goldberg began using drugs recreationally. A habit that resurfaced in the '80s, a time when she found herself in a fast-paced lifestyle characterized by rampant drug access at social gatherings.
"I was invited to parties where I was greeted at the door with a bowl of quaaludes from which I could pick what I wanted. Lines of cocaine were laid across tables and bathroom counters for the taking," Goldberg recounts in her book.
One of the most candid chapters describes a shocking incident on her birthday in a Manhattan hotel.
A housekeeper found Goldberg in a closet, a moment she describes as a painful wakeup call when she saw herself with cocaine smeared across her face in the mirror.
"I thought I could handle the cocaine thing," Goldberg explained, "but after a year, I fell into the deep well of cocaine and sank to a new low that alarmed even me."
The turning point for Goldberg came from her commitment to her daughter, Alex, and the need to regain control over her life. This commitment led her on the difficult, ongoing journey to recovery, which she admits challenges her.
"I was letting something else run my life and take me over. I didn’t need my mom to be disappointed or pissed at me—I was pissed enough at myself," she reflects.
With a fighting spirit, Goldberg has maintained a resilient attitude towards her addiction and the choices in her life, stating: "I give zero you-know-whats. If I don’t want to do it, I’m okay with walking away. Pick your battles and then fight those."
The memoir not only sheds light on Goldberg's battle with addiction but also highlights the powerful influence of family and personal resolve in overcoming life's most daunting challenges. It is a story of falling, rising, and, most importantly, healing and redemption.
