Rotimi opens up on how alcohol nearly destroyed him
By Valerian Khakayi, March 17, 2026Popular Nigerian-American actor and singer, Olurotimi Akinosho, popularly known as Rotimi, has opened up about a deeply personal chapter of his life, revealing how alcohol once became an unhealthy escape during a difficult period marked by anxiety, stress, and spiritual disconnection.
In a reflective video shared on his official Instagram account on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Rotimi described how drinking initially gave him a false sense of confidence and reassurance, something he now believes was misleading and harmful.
“Alcohol almost took me out. False confidence, false strength, false reassurance. All lies of the enemy. YOU’RE more than enough. You’re a conqueror. “You’re loved,” Rotimi said, adding that real strength comes from recognising your worth and understanding that you are loved.
Struggling with alcoholism
The award-winning actor further explained that there was a time when life felt overwhelming. Struggling with anxiety and pressure, he often looked for ways to escape the emotional weight he was carrying.
“There was a time when I was like, just try to find an escape. Life was hard, I was filled with anxiety, and I was stressed,” he revealed.
He recalled how moments alone sometimes led him toward alcohol. With tequila, vodka, and other drinks easily available, he would mix a few drinks and try to unwind, hoping it would help him relax.
“And so far I had a moment to myself like this, I would just get some, I do not know, they got tequila, vodka, all that over there and I was just make a few drinks for myself and just chill, get nice and wake up, like why did I do that?” Rotimi added.
According to Rotimi, the physical and emotional aftermath of drinking was often worse than the temporary relief it seemed to provide. He said the days that followed could be painful and draining, especially as he still had to show up for work and responsibilities.
“So I just thank God for just taking out that spirit out of me because those drinks were sacrificed.2- 3 days later, they would be the most painful days after and I got to work another day,” he added.
Looking back, the entertainer believes the deeper issue was the pain he was carrying internally and his feeling of being spiritually disconnected.
“I used to go through a lot of pain and I did not know that I was in pain, separated from God and just looking for outlets and vices,” Rotimi added.
Rotimi on teetotalism
Additionally, Rotimi said his journey toward healing began when he turned back to his faith and sought a healthier path. Today, he credits God, personal growth, and the support of his family for helping him overcome that period of struggle.
Now in a better place, Rotimi says he is grateful for the transformation he has experienced and hopes his story can encourage others who may be dealing with similar battles.
“We thank God for growth, family, and healing,” Rotimi added.
“They say that think is demonic; that is true it is the out body experience that is why you black out and do not remember the things you be doing and saying.”
This comes months In a video shared on Instagram on July 23, 2025, Rotimi noted that he has stopped drinking after settling down.
He explained that his decision to stop alcohol consumption and social media is because of his marriage, adding that he wants to have a positive impact on his children.
“I don’t drink anymore because of my marriage, and I don’t do social media anymore. At the end of the day, I am a man, so I am like, let me just flee, which is also biblical. I have a son who is smart and pays attention to everything.
“They say the best way to raise a boy is to be good to their mother, and when you have that, it is unbelievable, and the blessings just start breaking out,” he said.
Why did he quit drinking?
This comes months after Rotimi, in a video shared on Instagram on July 23, 2025, noted that he has stopped drinking after settling down.
He explained that his decision to stop alcohol consumption and social media is because of his marriage, adding that he wants to have a positive impact on his children.
“I don’t drink anymore because of my marriage, and I don’t do social media anymore. At the end of the day, I am a man, so I am like, let me just flee, which is also biblical. I have a son who is smart and pays attention to everything.
“They say the best way to raise a boy is to be good to their mother, and when you have that, it is unbelievable and the blessings just start breaking out,” he said.