Lil Xan Warns About Addiction: “I’m Going to Die Soon”

Introduction

Lil Xan, whose real name is Nicholas Diego Leanos, is one of many young artists who have publicly battled addiction. Rising to fame with his 2017 hit song Betrayed, which ironically warns about the dangers of Xanax abuse, he soon found himself trapped in the same cycle of addiction he rapped about.

In recent years, Lil Xan has spoken openly about his struggles with substance abuse, including his near-death experiences and the harsh reality of withdrawal. In a candid interview, he admitted, “If I keep doing this, I’m going to die soon.” This wake-up call led him to seek treatment and become an advocate for addiction awareness.

His story is not unique. Many young people fall into addiction due to peer pressure, mental health struggles, or simply underestimating the dangers of prescription drug abuse. This article explores Lil Xan’s journey, the risks of substance abuse, and the importance of seeking help.

Lil Xan’s Battle with Drug Addiction

Early Exposure to Drugs

Like many people struggling with addiction, Lil Xan’s substance abuse began at an early age. He has spoken openly about dealing with anxiety and depression, which led him to experiment with prescription medications.

At first, Xanax provided a sense of relief, numbing his emotions and easing his anxiety. However, the relief was temporary, and over time, his body developed a tolerance. This meant he needed higher doses to achieve the same calming effect.

This pattern of increasing drug use is common among those who misuse prescription medications. Many people don’t realize how quickly addiction can develop, especially with drugs like benzodiazepines, which directly affect the brain’s neurotransmitters.

The Role of Fame and Industry Pressure

After Betrayed went viral, Lil Xan quickly became a rising star. However, with fame came intense pressure, and he found himself in an industry where substance abuse was normalized.

Some of the biggest factors that fueled his addiction included:

• Easy Access to Drugs – As his fame grew, drugs became readily available.
• Industry Culture – Many artists glamorize drug use, making it seem like an essential part of the lifestyle.
• Mental Health Struggles – Anxiety, depression, and imposter syndrome pushed him further into drug use.

At his worst, Lil Xan admitted to taking multiple bars of Xanax daily, often mixing it with other substances. This put him at extreme risk of overdose, respiratory failure, and long-term brain damage.

A Wake-Up Call: “I’m Going to Die Soon”

Hitting Rock Bottom

For years, Lil Xan believed he was in control of his drug use. However, his physical and mental health started to deteriorate rapidly. He experienced:

• Severe memory loss and blackouts.
• Panic attacks and paranoia.
• Extreme fatigue and slurred speech.
• Difficulty breathing and withdrawal-induced seizures.

Eventually, his body began shutting down. This led to a moment of realization: If I keep doing this, I’m going to die soon.

The Dangers of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Many people assume that quitting drugs is as simple as stopping use. However, withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be one of the most dangerous detox processes. Unlike some substances, quitting cold turkey can lead to:

• Seizures
• Hallucinations
• Heart complications
• Severe rebound anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts

Medical professionals strongly recommend medically supervised detox for anyone trying to quit benzodiazepines. Attempting to quit alone can be life-threatening.

Understanding Prescription Drug Addiction

The Rise of Benzodiazepine Abuse

Prescription drug abuse has increased dramatically in recent years. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):

• Over 16 million people in the U.S. misuse prescription sedatives annually.
• More than 12,000 overdose deaths each year involve benzodiazepines.
• Mixing benzodiazepines with opioids or alcohol significantly increases overdose risk.

The Deadly Combination: Mixing Drugs

One of the most dangerous aspects of drug abuse is polydrug use, or taking multiple substances at once. Many users combine benzodiazepines like Xanax with opioids, alcohol, or stimulants, not realizing how lethal this can be.

Effects of mixing drugs include:

• Slowed breathing and respiratory failure
• Increased risk of overdose
• Brain damage and long-term cognitive impairment
• Heart failure

Unfortunately, many famous artists have lost their lives due to drug overdoses, including Mac Miller, Juice WRLD, and Lil Peep.

Lil Xan’s Journey to Sobriety

Seeking Treatment

After recognizing his addiction was life-threatening, Lil Xan decided to enter rehab. Treatment was not easy, but it provided him with the medical support necessary to detox safely.

Common steps in addiction treatment include:

1. Medical Detox – Helps patients withdraw from substances safely.
2. Inpatient Rehabilitation – Provides a structured, drug-free environment.
3. Therapy (CBT, DBT, EMDR) – Addresses the root causes of addiction.
4. Support Groups – Connects individuals with others in recovery.

The Ongoing Battle of Staying Sober

Even after rehab, relapses are common. Sobriety is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and support. Many recovering addicts, including Lil Xan, struggle with:

• Triggers and cravings
• Mental health issues
• Pressure from their social circle

Lil Xan continues to work on his recovery and is now vocal about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of seeking help.

The Importance of Addiction Awareness

Breaking the Stigma

One of the biggest barriers to seeking treatment is shame and stigma. Many people struggling with addiction feel judged or misunderstood.

By sharing his journey, Lil Xan is helping to destigmatize addiction and encourage others to seek help. Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing, and recovery is always possible.

The Influence of Music and Pop Culture

Music has a powerful influence on youth, and unfortunately, many songs glorify drug use. However, more artists are now speaking out about the dangers of addiction.

Artists who have advocated for sobriety include:

• Eminem – Has been sober for over a decade.
• Demi Lovato – Shares her struggles with addiction and mental health.
• Macklemore – Uses his platform to promote addiction awareness.

By discussing these issues, artists like Lil Xan are helping shift the conversation around substance abuse.

Seeking Help for Addiction

Treatment Options Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, help is available. Treatment options include:

Medical Detox

• Safely manages withdrawal symptoms.
• Prevents severe health complications.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

• Provides a safe, structured environment.
• Includes therapy and medical supervision.

Outpatient Treatment

• Allows flexibility while receiving treatment.
• Includes counseling and group support.

Support Groups (NA, AA, etc.)

• Offers a community of people in recovery.
• Provides accountability and motivation.

The Impact of Social Media on Addiction and Recovery

Social media plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion, especially among younger generations. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter influence how people perceive drug use, recovery, and mental health.

The Glamorization of Drug Use

One of the major downsides of social media is how drug use is often romanticized. Many celebrities and influencers post about their party lifestyles, sometimes showcasing drug and alcohol use as if it’s a normal or even desirable part of life.

• Memes and Trends – Some social media posts make light of drug abuse, turning serious addiction issues into jokes or viral challenges.
• Celebrity Influence – When popular musicians or influencers post about taking Xanax, Percocet, or other substances, their fans may feel encouraged to try them.
• Lack of Awareness – Many young people see images of drug use without understanding the severe consequences of addiction.

How Social Media Can Help with Recovery

On the other hand, social media has also become a valuable tool for addiction recovery. Lil Xan has used his platform to share his struggles, helping break the stigma around addiction. Others in recovery have done the same, showing that sobriety is possible.

Some benefits of social media in recovery include:

• Support Groups and Communities – Platforms like Reddit, Facebook, and Instagram have dedicated groups for people in recovery, providing encouragement and advice.
• Education and Awareness – Many organizations and individuals share resources on addiction treatment, mental health, and sobriety.
• Inspiration from Others – Seeing other people’s success stories can motivate those struggling with addiction to seek help.

Lil Xan’s journey demonstrates how social media can be a double-edged sword. While it can sometimes encourage destructive behaviors, it also has the potential to spread awareness and support those in recovery.

Mental Health and Its Connection to Substance Abuse

Addiction and mental health issues are closely linked. Many people who struggle with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other disorders turn to drugs as a way to self-medicate. Unfortunately, this often leads to a cycle of dependency that makes the underlying mental health issues worse.

Lil Xan’s Struggles with Mental Health

Lil Xan has been open about his battle with anxiety and depression, which played a major role in his substance abuse. Like many others, he initially used Xanax to numb his emotions, but over time, his body developed a tolerance, requiring higher doses.

Some of the key ways mental health issues contribute to addiction include:

• Self-Medication – Many people use drugs to escape painful emotions.
• Chemical Imbalance – Addiction can worsen mental health conditions by altering brain chemistry.
• Increased Isolation – People suffering from depression or anxiety often withdraw from others, making it harder to seek help.

The Importance of Treating Mental Health and Addiction Together

One of the biggest mistakes people make when addressing addiction is focusing only on the physical dependency while ignoring the mental health aspects. To fully recover, a person must heal both the mind and body.

Effective addiction treatment includes:

• Therapy (CBT, DBT, EMDR) – Helps individuals understand and manage their emotions without turning to drugs.
• Medication Management – Some people may need prescribed medications to stabilize mood disorders in a safe, controlled way.
• Support Networks – Having friends, family, and therapists involved can make a huge difference in long-term recovery.

By talking about his struggles, Lil Xan is helping to raise awareness about the importance of addressing mental health in addiction recovery.

Lessons from Lil Xan’s Journey: What Can We Learn?

Lil Xan’s battle with addiction is a powerful reminder of how dangerous substance abuse can be, but his recovery also offers hope to others struggling with similar issues. Here are some key lessons from his journey:

1. Addiction Can Happen to Anyone

Many people assume that only certain types of people become addicted to drugs, but addiction does not discriminate. Lil Xan was a young artist with money, fame, and success, yet he still found himself in a life-threatening cycle of drug use.

This is why education and awareness are critical. Anyone can fall into addiction, and it’s important to recognize the warning signs early.

2. Prescription Drugs Are Just as Dangerous as Illegal Drugs

Many people underestimate the dangers of prescription medications because they are prescribed by doctors. However, Xanax, Percocet, and other legal drugs can be just as addictive—and just as deadly—as street drugs like heroin and fentanyl.

• Mixing prescription drugs with alcohol or other substances increases overdose risk.
• Many overdose deaths involve legally obtained medications.
• Just because a drug is prescribed doesn’t mean it’s safe to misuse.

3. Seeking Help Is a Sign of Strength, Not Weakness

One of the biggest barriers to addiction recovery is the fear of being judged. Many people avoid seeking treatment because they don’t want to be labeled as an “addict.”

However, getting help is one of the bravest things a person can do. Lil Xan’s decision to go to rehab may have saved his life, and his willingness to share his story is encouraging others to seek help without shame.

4. Recovery Is a Lifelong Journey

Addiction recovery doesn’t end after rehab. It’s an ongoing process that requires:

• Avoiding triggers that could lead to relapse.
• Maintaining a strong support system of friends, family, and counselors.
• Continuing mental health treatment to address underlying issues.

Lil Xan has been honest about the challenges of staying sober, showing that recovery is not always easy—but it is possible.

Contact Addiction Helpline America

If you or a loved one is struggling, help is available. Call (844) 561-0606 today to speak with a professional and take the first step toward recovery.

Conclusion

Lil Xan’s journey is a powerful testament to the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help. His story highlights the need for education, awareness, and proper treatment for those struggling with substance abuse.

If you or someone you know is facing addiction, don’t wait—call (844) 561-0606 now. Recovery is possible, and help is just a phone call away.