Nigerian music sensation Joshua Iniyezo, famously known as Solidstar, has bravely shared his journey through substance abuse, shedding light on the effects of drug addiction.
In a sneak peek of an unreleased episode of the Honest Bunch podcast, the ‘Omotena’ crooner disclosed his initiation into the world of hard substances, revealing that he was introduced to “ice” by peers in 2021. Ice, or crystal methamphetamine, is a potent stimulant notorious for its addictive properties, accelerating communication between the brain and body.
Solidstar candidly recounted the detrimental impact of the substance, describing how it distorted his perception, making him feel invincible with an urge to evade payment for goods and services. He recounted a chilling journey from Awoyaya in Ibeju Lekki to the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, a grueling seven-hour trek on foot, during the throes of his addiction.
Signs And Dangers Of Teenage Drug Abuse And Addiction
Reflecting on his tumultuous battle with drug dependency, Solidstar lamented, “A lot of things happened to me. A couple of young boys introduced me to this substance called ice. This was three years back. The thing really affected me a lot.”
In a distressing turn of events, videos emerged online in August 2023, capturing Solidstar in a disheveled state, wandering aimlessly in ragged attire. His brother, Joseph, took to social media, attributing the distressing scene to Solidstar’s drug addiction, underscoring the dire toll it had taken on the artist.
This isn’t Solidstar’s first brush with the perils of substance abuse. In 2019, he recounted a near-death experience from excessive drug consumption, highlighting the gravity of his struggle.
Solidstar’s courageous revelation serves as a poignant reminder of the insidious nature of addiction and the imperative of seeking help. His story underscores the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues and fostering a supportive environment for individuals grappling with addiction.