Barry Keoghan has opened up about a shocking moment from his past that almost cost him his life. The actor revealed that during his struggle with drugs and alcohol, he actually “died for a few seconds.”
Keoghan spoke about how this terrifying experience happened during one of the darkest phases of his life. It’s only now that he realizes just how close he came to losing everything.
What Happened to Barry Keoghan During His Addiction Battle?
The Irish actor shared this deeply personal story while speaking on the Friends Keep Secrets podcast. He spoke openly about how his addiction once pushed him to a very dangerous point.
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Talking about that moment, he said, “I technically did die for a few seconds.” This incident happened in London during a time when he was heavily struggling with drink and drugs.
He explained that the experience felt strange and scary. At the time, he thought someone was attacking him. He added, “I went for a few seconds, and there was this sort of image, the fields and it was the wind, but there was this girl walking away.”
Later, he understood that the image and pain he felt were actually doctors trying to save his life and bring him back. That near-death experience became a big wake-up call for him. It showed him how serious things had become, even though it did not fix everything right away.
The Iconic Moment That Made Barry Rethink Everything
Barry admitted that recovery was not easy. He had to go to rehab three times before he could finally start moving in the right direction. He also spoke about a very personal turning point as his mother died at the age of 32 due to heroin use.
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When he reached the same age, something changed in him. He said, “I’m clean now, I’ve been clean for two and a half years. My mom died at 32 of heroin, my dad passed away… but the curiosity of still wanting to do this for me… It took me three attempts of rehab.”
Barry said he experienced a “sudden switch” when he turned 32. It made him decide that he did not want to continue down the same path. “There was a sudden switch, and it was when I was 32, same age as my mom. I was like, that’s it, I am not doing it,” he shared.
Since then, he has stayed away from alcohol and drugs. The ‘Saltburn‘ actor says he has been sober for two and a half years and feels much better about his life.
He now feels more peaceful and in control. “I’m at peace now, and responsible for everything that I do,” he said. He also shared how different life feels today. “I’m accepting, present, content. I’m a father… getting to just see that haze that was once there, it’s just a bit sharper now, and colorful.”
Now, he is living a healthier life and is completely focused on his work and his role as a father. So, even after so many setbacks, it is still possible to change and move forward.
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