Inside The Life And Mind Of The Late Robin Williams

Drugs and Alcohol Calmed His Nerves

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Like many comedians and performers, Robin Williams would be anxious leading up to a stand-up comedy appearance. In order to calm his nerves and cope with the anxiety, Williams turned to drugs and alcohol, which was everywhere he went in the ’70s.

Soon he was hooked on cocaine, which took hold of him for nearly two decades in the ’70s and ’80s. In 1988, the comedian told People, “Cocaine for me was a place to hide. Most people get hyper on coke. It slowed me down.”

After an all-nighter, Williams received a wake-up call in the worst way.