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Pete Davidson has spoken candidly about a period when substance use took over his life, describing a cycle of heavy drug use that pushed him to seek help and change course.
Pete Davidson’s admission: what he was using and how it escalated
The comedian and actor said his routine included multiple substances at once. He described preparing liquid ketamine himself and combining it with psychedelics and other intoxicants.
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- Ketamine in liquid form, which he would heat and prepare.
- Psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms.
- Short-acting inhalants often called whippets and daily cannabis use.
- Prescription pills taken regularly.
He realized the pattern had become destructive when the sensations flipped — feeling more normal only while using, and not able to experience sobriety without craving substances.
How fame and projects contributed to the downturn
Davidson traced much of the strain to his work and changes in routine. After leaving Saturday Night Live, he lost a daily structure that had helped stabilize him.
Playing himself on screen
Creating and starring in an autobiographical show forced him to relive painful memories. He said revisiting personal trauma on camera intensified his desire to escape.
The timing compounded the stress: the show Bupkis debuted, he stepped away from SNL, and his schedule loosened. That combination, he says, helped fuel heavier substance use.
The turning point that led to rehab
What finally cut through the pattern was a deeply personal intervention from his mother. A video call made him confront the real human cost of his choices.
His mother expressed fear for his safety and urged him to take action. That conversation moved him to check into a treatment program and also to step back from the show, despite its renewal.
Commitment to recovery and how this time was different
Davidson has had prior stints in treatment, but he said this attempt was driven by a deeper resolve.
- He described reaching a low point around age 30 that catalyzed change.
- This time, the decision to stop was personal, not career-driven.
- He left professional projects to focus on sobriety.
Today he reports long stretches without heavy substances and has largely given up cannabis as well. He allows himself minimal alcohol, estimating about four beers a year.
Parenthood as a stabilizing force
Becoming a father shifted his priorities. Davidson credits fatherhood with helping him maintain boundaries around substance use.
Daily choices shaped by family
He says every decision now considers his child’s wellbeing. Seeing a photo of his daughter helps him resist temptation and stay accountable.
- He welcomed his daughter, Scottie, in December 2025.
- The relationship with the child’s mother began in March 2025 and ended in May 2026.
He emphasizes doing whatever it takes to be present for his daughter and wants her to feel proud and safe about her family and upbringing.
What recovery looks like for him now
Davidson describes a new routine and altered behavior since getting sober. He says his career and personal choices are evaluated through a different lens.
- Reduced exposure to triggers.
- Stepped-away from projects that felt invasive.
- Active commitment to long-term sobriety.
He has framed recovery as an ongoing effort and credits conversations with loved ones for helping him stay the course.
