What to watch
Best streaming guide in the US
Billy Bob Thornton: The Bad Acid Trips That He Says Fueled His Art
24 days ago
20 November 2025 - 7:25 PM

Billy Bob Thornton: The Bad Acid Trips That He Says Fueled His Art

Actor and Oscar-winning writer Billy Bob Thornton recently offered a candid look into his past struggles with addiction, revealing one of the most unexpected details from his early drug use: he kept taking acid even though he never liked the trips.

Thornton, 70, shared the surprising detail on the November 20 episode of the After Dinner Thinks with Ann Wilson podcast. He told co-hosts Ann Wilson and Criss Cain that he was a "drug addict" in his early twenties. "I did everything," he stated, including a period on morphine. He specifically recalled his extensive use of psychedelics.

Dr. Drew Expresses Grave Concern for Andy Dick’s Life and Recovery Dr. Drew Expresses Grave Concern for Andy Dick’s Life and Recovery

The Unpleasant Ride Billy Bob Thornton Kept Taking

He admitted that he got no enjoyment from the hallucinogenic experiences. "What was funny about acid was — I didn't like it. I didn't have good trips," he confessed.

Billy Bob Thornton continued doing it only because he followed the crowd. "I kept doing it 'cause everybody else was doing it."

Lili Reinhart Confirms Endometriosis Diagnosis After Months of Dismissed Pain Lili Reinhart Confirms Endometriosis Diagnosis After Months of Dismissed Pain

Despite the negative experiences, the Landman star believes the psychedelics gave him a crucial professional benefit. He feels his mind "unlocked" and made him a better artist.

JoJo Siwa Rushed to Hospital After Burst Ovarian Cyst Causes "Excruciating Pain" JoJo Siwa Rushed to Hospital After Burst Ovarian Cyst Causes "Excruciating Pain"

"I honestly believe that psychedelics helped me as a writer and as an artist in general," he said.

"I honestly believe that psychedelics helped me as a writer and as an artist in general," he said.

He drew a comparison to The Beatles, noting John Lennon and Paul McCartney often cited their acid use as an influence that "helped them with whatever [song] it was."

Getting Clean On His Own

Thornton also detailed how he stopped using drugs at age 24. He faced the reality of his own mortality during a moment of reflection.

Looking in a mirror on an Airstream trailer, he gave himself a stark warning: "You're gonna die. You have to stop."

He quit completely on his own, having to "sweat it out for about four days," as support groups and programs were not widely available then.

He also confirmed the prevalent shame surrounding addiction during that era.

You can find a video about Billy Bob Thornton's interviews here: Billy Bob Thornton Reveals The Dark Side Of Hollywood to Joe Rogan

Taylor Swift Bonds with Kelce Nieces as Chiefs Miss Playoffs
14 December 2025

Taylor Swift Bonds with Kelce Nieces as Chiefs Miss Playoffs

Taylor Swift Bonds with Kelce Nieces as Chiefs Miss Playoffs
Russell Simmons Accuses Kimora Lee Simmons of Withholding Children
14 December 2025

Russell Simmons Accuses Kimora Lee Simmons of Withholding Children

Russell Simmons Accuses Kimora Lee Simmons of Withholding Children
Ben Affleck Reunites with Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez at Son’s Show
14 December 2025

Ben Affleck Reunites with Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez at Son’s Show

Ben Affleck Reunites with Jennifer Garner and Jennifer Lopez at Son’s Show
Peter Greene Dies at 60
13 December 2025

Peter Greene Dies at 60

Peter Greene Dies at 60
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. Dies at 86
13 December 2025

Abraham Quintanilla Jr. Dies at 86

Abraham Quintanilla Jr. Dies at 86
Braxton Berrios Gets Attacked by Alix Earle Fans Following Breakup Post
13 December 2025

Braxton Berrios Gets Attacked by Alix Earle Fans Following Breakup Post

Braxton Berrios Gets Attacked by Alix Earle Fans Following Breakup Post
Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen Are Expecting Their First Child
12 December 2025

Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen Are Expecting Their First Child

Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen Are Expecting Their First Child
Dr. Drew Expresses Grave Concern for Andy Dick’s Life and Recovery
12 December 2025

Dr. Drew Expresses Grave Concern for Andy Dick’s Life and Recovery

Dr. Drew Expresses Grave Concern for Andy Dick’s Life and Recovery
Teen Mom Star Cheyenne Floyd Davis Welcomes Third Child
12 December 2025

Teen Mom Star Cheyenne Floyd Davis Welcomes Third Child

Teen Mom Star Cheyenne Floyd Davis Welcomes Third Child
Lili Reinhart Confirms Endometriosis Diagnosis After Months of Dismissed Pain
11 December 2025

Lili Reinhart Confirms Endometriosis Diagnosis After Months of Dismissed Pain

Lili Reinhart Confirms Endometriosis Diagnosis After Months of Dismissed Pain
Sydney Sweeney Confirms Her Natural Look During Lie-Detector Test
11 December 2025

Sydney Sweeney Confirms Her Natural Look During Lie-Detector Test

Sydney Sweeney Confirms Her Natural Look During Lie-Detector Test
Ethan Hawke Defends Paul Dano After Quentin Tarantino Criticism
11 December 2025

Ethan Hawke Defends Paul Dano After Quentin Tarantino Criticism

Ethan Hawke Defends Paul Dano After Quentin Tarantino Criticism