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Eminem‘s sobriety has become an important part of his public persona in the years since he’s gotten sober. The rapper — born Marshall Mathers — was once known for lyrics that spoke of substance abuse and violence, has turned over a new leaf. Today, Eminem is known for speaking about his sobriety and the huge role his loved ones have played in helping him stay on track after a near-fatal overdose in 2007.
Eminem Recently Achieved a New Sobriety Milestone
On Saturday, Eminem shared a photo of a recovery chip in his hand, celebrating 16 years of sobriety. He didn’t share any further comments on the momentous occasion, but across social media, works of encouragement and celebration were poured in.
The rapper’s brother, Nathan Mathers, commented, “Greatest Influence and Mentor 🔥🔥❤.”
Former Supernanny star Jo Frost wrote, “The most Sacred commitment to oneself, congratulations to you! And to you all here reaching different milestones & celebrations 🔥🙌❤️.”
Eight years before getting sober, Eminem was enjoying a pivotal moment in his career with the release of “The Real Slim Shady.” The single, produced by Dr. Dre and Mel-Man, was the lead single off the rapper’s third studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP.
The Rapper Has Given Some Raw Insights Into Addiction and Recovery
Those career highs came with some challenging moments in his personal life, however. Behind the scenes, the rapper battled prescription pill addiction, regularly using Vicodin, Valium, and Xanax. It culminated in a 2007 overdose that almost cost him his life.
Had I got to the hospital about two hours later, I would have died. My organs were shutting down. My liver, kidneys, everything … They didn’t think I was going to make it. My bottom was going to be death.
Eminem, How To Make Money Selling Drugs
After the overdose, he was forced to re-learn certain motor and speech skills. While on Paul Pod, he looked back at that time in his life.
I remember when I first got sober, all the s–t was out of my system. I remember just being really happy. Everything was f—–g new to me again. [Relapse] was the first album and the first time I had had fun recording in a long time. During this fun, something happened, and something completely morphed into… A lot of my songs have always been like that like you joke around with friends and shit, and then you might put some of that s–t in a song. It was like the first time I started having fun with music again. And re-learning how to rap!
Eminem, Paul Pod
For the first recording session we did, when we were serious about recording the album, we went to Florida. I was itching constantly. My fucking skin was crawling. I didn’t realize at the time it was barbiturates coming completely out of my system. I was still withdrawing to an extent. [Before] I was taking 75-80 Valium a night. I was itching and recording.
