Paris Jackson Reflects on Overdose Incident and Personal Growth After Addiction

Paris Jackson's Traumatic Overdose Experience

Paris Jackson recently shared a harrowing experience involving a friend’s near-fatal overdose due to drugs she possessed. The 28-year-old singer, with a history of addiction to heroin and alcohol, relied on her first responder training to assist her friend until emergency services arrived.

During a discussion on Alex Cooper‘s “Call Her Daddy” podcast, Jackson described how the ordeal inspired her to write “Sirens,” one of her most emotionally charged songs. While she recognized that her quick actions may have averted tragedy, she confessed that it didn’t lead her to sobriety right away.

A Life-Saving Response

Jackson recalled the details of the incident, which took place in 2018 when she was around 20. “That was scary because in a situation like that, you know, even though I had experience as a trained first responder, when you go into fight or flight, it’s unpredictable,” she explained. Her experience taught her that knowledge doesn’t always translate into effective action under pressure. “Just because you know what to do, your brain still might tell you to freeze,” she noted, emphasizing how unpredictability complicates crisis situations.

She remained with her friend until the paramedics arrived, who later confirmed that a delay might have resulted in severe consequences. “They said... if you had gotten there any later, he either would be dead or brain dead,” Jackson revealed, underscoring the fragile nature of life in critical moments.

Continued Struggles with Addiction

Despite the profound impact of the incident, Jackson admitted that it didn’t immediately stop her from using drugs. “It’s a testament to how it takes what it takes because I still didn’t get sober for another year and a half after that,” she explained. Jackson has since adopted a strict all-or-nothing approach toward sobriety, acknowledging that ingesting any intoxicants could lead her back to heroin. “If I have a hit of weed or a drink, I’m gonna go back on heroin,” she stated decisively.

Her attempts to moderate her substance use ultimately fell short. “I realized even with weed and alcohol, I just couldn’t stop, and it was just getting worse,” she reflected on her journey. Celebrating six years of sobriety earlier this year indicates a significant turnaround in her life.

Relationships and Past Engagements

In the podcast, Jackson also touched on her romantic experiences, revealing that her first engagement occurred while she was still using drugs. This revelation provided context for the complexities of her earlier relationships. “I don’t know if you could count the first one; it was real to me, even though we were strung out on drugs,” she shared, offering insight into how addiction affected her connection with her former partner. “The ring was one that he bought with my money without me knowing,” she added, indicating the chaos surrounding that time of her life.

After parting ways with Justin Long, her engagement last year, Jackson reflected on the nature of relationships. She acknowledged that friends encouraged her to critically examine why she felt compelled to stay in a relationship that wasn’t meeting her needs. “Just because someone is a good person doesn’t mean they’re my person,” Jackson concluded, demonstrating a deeper understanding of the dynamics in romantic partnerships.

Beliefs About Loyalty and Future Relationships

Jackson’s experiences have influenced her views on loyalty and relationships. She expressed concern that her perspective might be skewed by the dating culture in her city, which often values superficial traits. “I live in a city where loyalty is not the biggest thing,” she said. Nonetheless, her outlook has shifted after witnessing genuine relationships among the men in her life. “I know that exists out there,” she remarked, reinforcing her belief in the possibility of finding a loyal partner.

Taking time for herself post-breakup has enabled Jackson to reassess what she desires in future relationships. “I can be a little bit pickier,” she affirmed, indicating that she’s ready to raise her standards. This self-awareness is a significant indication of her personal growth amidst the challenges she has faced.

This candid reflection on her past underscores a broader narrative of resilience and the pursuit of healthier relationships. Jackson’s journey reveals that while the road to recovery is often fraught with difficulty, it can lead to deeper insights about oneself and others.