Actor-writer Piyush Mishra has candidly spoken about his struggle with alcoholism, revealing how addiction once took a severe toll on his personal life, behaviour, and professional relationships.
Calls Alcoholism A ‘Deadly Disease’
Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, Mishra described alcoholism as a condition that gradually takes control of a person’s life. He said that over time, one begins to feel alcohol is necessary, and the craving becomes difficult to resist.
According to him, the most dangerous aspect is that many people don’t even realise they are addicted until it begins affecting their lives.
Personal Regrets And Loss Of Control
Mishra admitted that alcohol led him to behave in ways he later regretted. He revealed that he hurt close relationships, including his mother, and often acted out of character while intoxicated.
In a shocking confession, he also shared that he made inappropriate and obscene calls to women during that phase, many of which he did not even remember the next day. He described this period as one where he had completely lost control over his actions.
Impact On Career
The actor acknowledged that his addiction also affected his professional image. His behaviour made colleagues wary, and he began to be seen as difficult to work with, which impacted his career opportunities.
Despite this, he maintained that he never consumed alcohol while working or performing, even though the mental effects of addiction were present.
Turning Point After Health Crisis
A major turning point came in 2009 when Mishra suffered a brain stroke, forcing him to confront his lifestyle. Following this, he adopted spiritual practices like Vipassana, which helped him control his cravings.
He clarified that while he has reduced his alcohol intake significantly, he does not consider himself completely free from alcoholism, describing it as a condition that requires constant management.
Rejects Myth Of Alcohol And Creativity
Mishra also dismissed the idea that alcohol enhances creativity. Reflecting on his past, he said substance abuse had negatively affected his mental and neurological health, pushing him towards self-destruction.
A Journey Of Control And Awareness
Today, Mishra says he has regained much of his balance and control. Looking back, he described himself during that phase as “anti-social” and credited his work with helping him recover.
His story offers a stark reminder of the realities of addiction and the long, ongoing journey toward recovery.