Pete Davidson, the well-known comedian and former Saturday Night Live star, has been candid about his experiences with substance use and mental health. Recently, he openly discussed his time in rehab and his past drug use during a comedy show, offering insights into his journey with addiction. This article delves into Pete Davidson’s statements about the drugs he has used and his ongoing path to recovery.
In a recent stand-up performance in Atlantic City, New Jersey, alongside fellow comedians John Mulaney and Jon Stewart, Davidson addressed his recent stint in rehab. “I am fresh out of rehab, everyone,” he announced to the audience at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Ettes Arena, adding with his characteristic dark humor, “I got that post-rehab glow. Seventh time’s the charm!” This public acknowledgment is consistent with Davidson’s openness regarding his struggles, a trait that has resonated with many of his fans.
Davidson specifically revealed that he had been using ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic drug, on a daily basis for four years. He described his experience with the drug as “magical,” a statement that hints at the allure and deceptive nature of substance abuse. This admission provides a direct answer to the question of “What Drugs Does Pete Davidson Do,” at least in recent years. His willingness to speak about ketamine use is part of a larger conversation he has been having about his mental health and reliance on substances.
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Further illustrating the impact of his drug use, Davidson shared an anecdote about attending Aretha Franklin’s 2018 funeral while under the influence. He expressed disbelief at his decision to be in public in that state, highlighting the impaired judgment that can accompany drug use. This story, though delivered with a comedic edge, underscores the seriousness of his struggles. He also joked about the altered perceptions drugs induced, recalling an instance where he experienced The Wiggles “meshing” with Schindler’s List, a surreal and perhaps disturbing juxtaposition.
Davidson’s history with rehab is not new. It has been reported that he checked into rehab in June to address issues related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Sources close to Davidson have indicated that he often uses rehab as a proactive measure to manage these conditions. He himself confirmed a previous rehab stay in February 2020 and another in 2016, telling Howard Stern that he entered rehab in 2016 because he felt he “couldn’t stop” using drugs and needed to be in an environment where substances were inaccessible.
Looking ahead to his 30th birthday in November, Davidson shared a perspective on aging and substance use. He told his audience that he believes “you can’t do drugs in your 30s” because “it’s not cute anymore” and at that age, “you’re just a drug addict.” This statement reflects a growing awareness and perhaps a determination to move away from substance dependence as he enters a new phase of his life.
The comedy show itself provided a backdrop of shared experiences with addiction and recovery. John Mulaney, who performed after Davidson, referred to himself as a “former amateur drug trafficker” and has also been open about his own rehab stays. Jon Stewart, who closed the show, humorously remarked that the audience had witnessed a “full lifecycle” of addiction and recovery through the performances. Dave Chappelle, another comedian Davidson is connected to, having performed at Chapelle’s 50th birthday shows after his recent rehab stint, also represents a peer group within comedy that is increasingly open about personal struggles.
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Pete Davidson’s candid discussions about “what drugs does Pete Davidson do” and his journey through rehab offer a public look into the challenges of addiction and mental health within the entertainment industry. His openness, while delivered with humor, carries a serious message about the realities of substance use and the ongoing effort required for recovery. For those seeking help with substance abuse, resources like the SAMHSA helpline (1-800-662-HELP) are available.
