Jack Black opens up about his struggles with drug abuse as a teenager and how a school therapist helped him overcome his demons.
In an intimate conversation on Dax Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast, actor Jack Black delved into his tumultuous teenage years marked by experimentation with psychedelic drugs and cocaine. Reflecting on his path to self-discovery, Black revealed that his journey began in middle school, influenced by the allure of heavy metal music and a desire to embrace the "dark side."
Growing up in Hermosa, Black felt like an outsider until he moved to Culver City and discovered the music of Black Sabbath. "It was the rite of passage in a Beavis and Butthead way," he remarked. "The more dangerous, the more attractive." His curiosity led him to try acid, which initially brought a sense of euphoria and completeness.
Jack Black's Dark Journey: From Drug Abuse to Redemption
However, Black's experiences with psychedelics took a darker turn. He described a harrowing night when the effects of acid refused to subside, plunging him into a terrifying mental state. "It was so bad that I was locked in this insane brain prison," he explained. "All I could see was chess pieces going off into infinity, playing a game with myself." The experience left him traumatized, recognizing the dangers of unchecked drug use.
Black's drug experimentation extended to cocaine, which initially provided a similar rush to acid. "It was like a doorway being opened in your brain," he recalled. "You feel like you have a lot of brilliant things to say really fast." Yet, despite the fleeting high, Black realized the emptiness of his pursuit.
Jack Black's Dark Journey: From Drug Abuse to Redemption
Amidst his struggles, Black's parents made the decision to transfer him to a school for at-risk youth. It was here that he found a lifeline in theater, under the guidance of a compassionate teacher named Deb Devine. "She got us all thinking about telling stories," Black said. "It was kind of theater therapy."
Inspired by the transformative power of theater, Black began to confront his personal struggles through improvisation games and storytelling. In the school therapist's office, he found a safe space to unload his burdens, including his drug use and his mother's betrayal. "It only took me about a minute before I started spilling my guts," Black confessed.
Jack Black's Dark Journey: From Drug Abuse to Redemption
His theater teacher recognized Black's talent and encouraged him to transfer to Crossroads, a private school with a renowned theater program. This move proved pivotal in shaping his artistic future. At Crossroads, Black honed his acting skills and experienced the transformative power of storytelling. "I had dreams there of being in the theater and having the power of flight," he recalled. "The theater and that world will always be the main thing."
Despite his success in other areas of entertainment, including film and music, Black remains grounded in his theatrical roots. "I've had dreams where I'm in the theater and I can fly," he said. "That's the power of that creativity."
Jack Black's Dark Journey: From Drug Abuse to Redemption
Black's journey from drug abuse to redemption highlights the importance of support and guidance along the path. Through the transformative power of theater and the compassion of those around him, he found the strength to overcome his demons and embrace his true potential as an artist.
