Cara Delevingne has revealed she suffered a near-fatal overdose involving suspected opioids in cocaine, which led to her hospitalization and the administration of naloxone. Speaking on The Louis Theroux Podcast, the 33-year-old British model stated that her struggle with addiction, including ketamine use starting at age 14, resulted in the loss of multiple high-profile modeling contracts.
How did addiction impact Cara Delevingne’s career?
Delevingne confirmed that her drug use led to a direct loss of employment. According to the model, brand contracts require talent to maintain specific standards, and when her condition deteriorated, “all went silent” among her professional contacts. She noted that the realization of how badly she had “messed up” made it difficult to remain sober without professional help.
The fallout became public through paparazzi images captured in 2022. Delevingne described these photos—which showed her in a distressed state at Van Nuys airport after the Burning Man festival—as the catalyst for her recovery. She admitted she had fainted minutes before the photos were taken due to sleep deprivation and drug use.
What happened during the overdose event?
During her appearance on The Louis Theroux Podcast, Delevingne detailed being rushed to the hospital after consuming cocaine that she believes was laced with opioids. She described the experience as “terrible,” recalling that she woke up surrounded by men and did not know what was happening.
The recovery process was marked by severe withdrawal. Delevingne stated that upon waking, she “wanted to die” because of the physical symptoms of abstinence and the emotional weight of the shame she felt toward her loved ones. She characterized the experience as one of the most painful events of her life.
The role of public image in recovery
The 2022 images of Delevingne at Van Nuys airport—where she was seen walking in socks, smoking, and talking on the phone—served as a turning point. She told Louis Theroux that the visibility of her decline was what pushed her toward a 12-step program.
Delevingne explained that the sheer volume of messages and the public nature of her condition made the situation “terrible” but necessary for her to seek help. This transition from public scrutiny to private recovery highlights the volatile intersection of celebrity branding and mental health.
Comparing the ‘Burning Man’ incident to professional standards
There is a sharp contrast between the “brand standards” Delevingne mentioned in her contracts and the reality of her state during the 2022 festival exit. While her contracts demanded a specific image, she described herself at the airport as having “sand” in her hair from not bathing and being “completely drugged” and sleep-deprived.
This gap between the curated image of a supermodel and the reality of addiction led to the “silence” she experienced from the industry, emphasizing how strictly the fashion world enforces appearance-based clauses in legal agreements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drug did Cara Delevingne overdose on?
According to Delevingne on The Louis Theroux Podcast, she overdosed on cocaine that she believes contained opioids.
What treatment did she receive for the overdose?
She was taken to a hospital and administered a dose of naloxone to reverse the effects of the opioids.
When did her struggle with substance use begin?
Delevingne stated that she began experimenting with drugs, specifically ketamine, at the age of 14.
Why did she lose modeling jobs?
She attributed the loss of work to her inability to maintain the brand standards required by her professional contracts due to her addiction.
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