Landon Barker has opened up about his past struggles with alcohol misuse and mental health issues from last year.
“It all started from a bad habit with alcohol,” said Travis Barker’s son to People in an interview published on Monday.
“I misused it and just abused the substance,” reminisced the 20-year-old, adding that he had been suffering from depersonalization-derealization disorder for several months.
“It felt really awful, and I experienced increased OCD, increased ADHD, and increased anxiety, all while feeling like I was in a video game.”
Landon had previously discussed his mental health on social media in August 2022.
“My depersonalization is really bad, and I just want to come on here and tell everyone that you’re not alone, and we’re all imperfect in our own ways,” said the singer of “Friends With Your Ex” on his Instagram Story at that time.
According to Mayo Clinic, depersonalization-derealization disorder makes people feel as though their surroundings aren’t real and might make them feel disconnected from emotions and the people around them.
Landon told People that his struggles with psychological disorders and subsequent alcohol misuse became a recurring cycle. “It all started with: I’ll have a drink, and then afterward, I’d feel so disconnected, and that’s how my drinking habit started. Like, oh, I’ll feel better once I drink, so yeah, it all started so quickly.”
However, the musician stated that he quit drinking “around this time last year” after experiencing a concussion.
“When I had the concussion, I had to face it, and I just, I don’t know, I just hated life for about three or four months,” he said.
“I remember, I would just go to the hospital once a week because I was having really bad panic attacks from everything that was happening.”
Although not directly stated, Landon hinted that he was in the hospital in August 2022 when he posted a picture of his medical bracelet.
Regarding his current drinking habits, the singer of “Death of California” told the media that he only consumes alcohol in moderation.
“I think it’s very important for me not to make it a habit again,” he said, adding, “I always tell myself, ‘I’ll only drink on special occasions now.’ I’m just staying away from everything.”
