Howie Mandel Reveals Near-Fatal Self-Medication During COVID-19 Pandemic
On Hoda Kotb’s podcast, Howie Mandel disclosed that his OCD and ADHD led him to self-medicate with gummies, smoking and drinking during the pandemic, a habit that nearly cost him his life.
Howie Mandel opened up on Hoda Kotb’s “Joy 101” podcast about the severe mental-health crisis he faced as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded. Suffering from OCD and ADHD, he turned to gummy supplements, then escalated to smoking and drinking in an attempt to achieve unconsciousness, describing moments when his wife could not rouse him and feared a hospital visit. His spouse, Terry, gave him an ultimatum that led him to begin prescribed medication and regular therapy.
Mandel emphasized that he is now sober and uses distraction techniques to quiet recurring dark thoughts. He also joked about hoarding personal protective equipment for decades, noting the irony of his pandemic-era behavior. The interview highlighted his ongoing treatment and the importance of seeking help for mental-health struggles.
Why it matters
Mandel’s story underscores how pandemic stress can exacerbate mental-health issues and the need for timely professional intervention.
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