In the latest Red Table Talk, a free online series hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith, August Alsina opens up about his addiction to Percocet.
Back in August 2014 the R&B singer fell off stage during a performance. The impact sent Alsina’s body into convulsions and medical professionals had to revive him twice. To numb the pain Alsina was prescribed Percocet.
While on the topic, Jada Pinkett Smith recalls Alsina popping six pills daily and even hiding some in his socks. Alsina admittedly was in denial about his addiction, because of his previous perception of what it was to be an addict: “…seeing my stepfather pawn the whole house for some drugs, pawn the car, whatever, and my idea of an addiction was that.”
It was a phone call from a pleading Jada, however, that inspired Alsina to get clean.
Adrienne Banfield-Norris, Smith’s mother, also found her will through someone other than herself, a lover. It has been 27 years since Banfield-Norris quit her heroin addiction.
Though the episode triumphs the accomplishments of Alsina and Banfield-Norris, it is only in typical Red Table Talk for the imperfections to be showcased as well.
Will Smith’s sister Ashley Marie shares her battle with marijuana before the show ends, leading the discussion to a place for learning. To catch the full episode check out The Red Talk: Facing Addiction on Facebook.
– Sciler Williams
