Importance Score: 70 / 100 🔴
The Harris Project, established in 2013, is a nonprofit organization focused on the prevention and treatment of co-occurring disorders (COD) – the intersection of mental health conditions and substance use problems. Us Weekly and The Harris Project have collaborated to present The Missing Issue, a special edition highlighting the experiences of celebrities who have navigated COD. Here, we revisit past Us Weekly coverage of some of these notable individuals.
This article was originally published on usmagazine.com on December 29, 2021:
Avicii’s Final Journals Reveal ‘Urgent’ Pain Before 2018 Death
[Read the full original story.]
Avicii’s Journals Detail Alcohol Use to Manage ‘Urgent’ Pain Before 2018 Tragedy
The tragic suicide of globally renowned DJ and producer Avicii (born Tim Bergling) in April 2018 at just 28 years old, deeply affected fans worldwide who admired his groundbreaking dance anthems such as “Levels” and “Wake Me Up.”
The Swedish artist, originally from Stockholm, faced significant challenges with anxiety, alcohol dependence, and various health issues – including pancreatitis and surgeries on his gallbladder and appendix. These struggles were later explored in detail in the biography Tim — The Official Biography of Avicii by Måns Mosesson. The book features excerpts from Avicii’s personal journals written during his stays in rehabilitation facilities. Prior to his passing, the artist had also openly discussed his battles with physical discomfort and heavy drinking in numerous interviews, culminating in his 2016 decision to retire from touring to prioritize his well-being. “I [realized] I needed to make the change that I’d been struggling with for a while,” he communicated to fans via his website, as reported by various news outlets.
Ultimately, Avicii’s co-occurring disorders involved alcohol and prescription medication misuse alongside anxiety.
Using Alcohol to Cope with Anxiety
Bergling revealed to GQ in March 2013 that he developed a drinking problem early in his career to cope with insecurities – and that touring provided readily available alcohol and numerous opportunities to establish a habit that rapidly became ingrained. “You travel constantly, living out of a suitcase, arriving at venues where alcohol is freely available,” he explained. “It feels unusual not to drink … I experienced intense nervousness. I fell into a pattern of relying on the perceived confidence and encouragement from alcohol, and subsequently became dependent on it.”
In the 2017 documentary Avicii: True Stories, he disclosed his apprehension about appearing too “stiff” on stage without alcohol. “So, I discovered the ‘magic solution’ of simply having a couple of drinks before performing.”
Escalating Anxiety and Substance Misuse
Another documentary, Netflix’s Avicii — I’m Tim, released in December 2024, underscores the extent to which the DJ began depending on prescription drugs to alleviate his growing anxiety. “I simply felt anxious,” he voiced over. “I was unsure of the source of the anxiety. I could physically sense it in my stomach. It felt like a constant weight, an unyielding emotion.”
In a 2019 interview with CBS This Morning, Avicii’s father, Klas Bergling, shared that his son had long struggled with anxiety. He mentioned that he and his wife, Anki Lidén, recognized their son’s anxiety during his teenage years and sought professional help for him.
“When your child is unwell, you exhaust every option to rectify the situation,” Klas explained. “And you strive to understand the underlying issues. Consequently, we consulted a psychiatrist. I believe Tim was around 14 or 15, and the psychiatrist helped to calm him.”
However, when it became clear that his son was misusing substances as a coping mechanism, Klas eventually orchestrated an intervention with the assistance of Arash Pournouri, Avicii’s co-producer and manager. Though initially hesitant, Avicii ultimately agreed to seek treatment. “It finally registered. We were overjoyed. He understood,” Klas recounted in the Netflix documentary. “I believe he realized it was time to address the problem.”
After his son’s passing, Klas shared with CBS This Morning that Avicii had been very forthcoming about his struggles with anxiety and depression because “he was searching for answers.”
“As a working producer and artist, your mind is constantly engaged,” Klas elaborated. “He was producing music almost incessantly. Therefore, I believe he needed something to counterbalance this intensity. He explored avenues like contemplating life and seeking ways to achieve a more tranquil existence … such as meditation.”
Avicii reportedly attempted extended meditation sessions, lasting entire days instead of designated intervals. A friend expressed concern that he was declining to take breaks for meals or conversation.
Despite awareness of his challenges, a supportive network, and attempts at healthy coping mechanisms beyond substance misuse, he frequently felt overwhelmed.
Honoring His Struggles to Offer Support to Others
Following Avicii’s suicide, his family released a public statement which stated, in part: “Our beloved Tim was a seeker, a sensitive artistic soul in pursuit of answers to fundamental questions. An ambitious perfectionist who travelled and worked relentlessly, leading to extreme stress … He deeply grappled with questions of Meaning, Existence, and Happiness. Ultimately, he could not continue. He sought peace.”
To purchase The Missing Issue for $8.99, please visit https://magazineshop.us/harrisproject.
If you or someone you know is battling mental health issues and/or substance use disorders, please remember you are not alone. Immediate intervention is crucial — dial 911 for medical emergencies; 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline; or 1-800-662-HELP for the SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Naloxone (Narcan) availability can be life-saving in reversing opioid overdose.