Timaya Opens Up About Past Drug Addiction

Ikenna ChurchillFebruary 9, 20241 Mins read1.1k

Popular Nigerian singer, Timaya has shared his past struggle with addiction to Molly, a synthetic drug he found during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Initially drawn to its euphoric effects, Timaya shared during an interview with The Beat 99.9 FM in Lagos, how the habit spiraled, impacting his health, finances, and career.

I’m not a saint,” he admitted. “I did drugs, and breaking free was hell.

Timaya described being introduced to Molly by young adults residing with him during the lockdown. He found himself questioning their constant state of happiness, leading them to reveal their drug use. Intrigued, Timaya began using Molly himself, experiencing an initial burst of euphoria.

However, the consequences soon manifested. Blinded by the drug’s temporary high, Timaya found himself neglecting basic needs like eating, leading to weight loss. He described the artificial happiness replacing natural joy, forcing him to “buy happiness” through the substance.

His dependence escalated to taking three pills daily, treating it like medication. This dependence had significant repercussions, damaging his professional life. He faced termination from jobs, lost contracts, and severed business relationships.

Despite the challenges, Timaya found the strength to break free. He acknowledged the fight’s difficulty but emphasised the importance of honesty and personal accountability.

“I’m telling you this story because I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through,” he shared. “If you’re struggling with addiction, please seek help. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.”

Timaya’s story offers a powerful message of vulnerability and overcoming adversity. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction and underscores the importance of seeking help when needed.