As he prepares to release his upcoming album "Insomnia," Nicky Jam has bared his soul in an interview with Jay Shetty, revealing that he has been grappling with alcohol issues over the past year. This struggle led him to announce his retirement last October, a decision he has since confirmed will not be happening anytime soon.
"I'm paying for a lot of things that happened to me and a lot of things I've done in the past," he said on Jay Shetty's podcast, acknowledging that despite all the good he does, he has bad moments. "I'm going to be very honest with you. I've never opened up on shows like this about it... I've been dealing with alcohol issues over the last year," Nicky Jam confessed. It's worth noting that he has had addiction problems in the past.
Nicky Jam clarified that he doesn't consider himself an alcoholic in the strictest sense, as he doesn't drink every day, but he admits that he can go several days in a row consuming alcohol excessively. Additionally, he revealed that he has turned to marijuana to manage the anxiety caused by quitting drinking, a measure that he says has helped him feel better. He made it clear that while marijuana doesn't pose a problem for him, other substances like cocaine and Percocet did in the past.
Social Expectations and Mental Health
In this conversation, Nicky Jam also discussed how social expectations affect men when it comes to talking about mental health issues. "Many men go through mental health problems and don't talk about it. They are afraid because a man always has to maintain composure and avoid emotional reactions. But it's not like that; sometimes I have anxiety, panic attacks, I get nervous, I shake. And I think about many things because I am a human being."
Following this revelation, the song "Insomnia," which is the title track of his upcoming album, has taken on new meaning for his fans. "Before, I hated alcohol; now I can't stop drinking, crazy to hide the pain that isn't visible," says one of the verses of the song.
Despite the challenging year the singer has faced, it was recently revealed that he married Colombian model Juana Valentina Varón.
Nicky Jam's Alcohol Struggles and Mental Health
Here are some common questions and answers regarding Nicky Jam's recent revelations about his struggles with alcohol and mental health, providing further insight into his experiences.
What did Nicky Jam reveal about his alcohol struggles?
Nicky Jam revealed that he has been dealing with alcohol issues over the past year, leading him to contemplate retirement, though he later confirmed he won't be retiring soon.
Does Nicky Jam consider himself an alcoholic?
Nicky Jam does not consider himself an alcoholic in the strictest sense, as he doesn't drink every day, but he acknowledges that he can binge drink for several days in a row.
How has Nicky Jam been managing his anxiety?
Nicky Jam has turned to marijuana to manage the anxiety caused by quitting alcohol, a measure he says has helped him feel better.
What social issues did Nicky Jam address concerning mental health?
Nicky Jam discussed how social expectations often prevent men from talking about mental health problems, leading to issues like anxiety and panic attacks.