October 11th 2024.
In the late 2000s, a duo known as Rizzle Kicks took the UK hip pop scene by storm. Comprised of Harley Alexander-Sule and Jordan Stephens, the pair quickly rose to fame and became a household name. However, as Jordan recently revealed, their success was not without its challenges.
Now 32 years old, Jordan reflects on the peak of Rizzle Kicks' success and how it took a toll on his mental health. In an interview on Matt Willis' podcast, On the Mend, he opened up about using cocaine as a "coping mechanism" to deal with the pressures of fame. With constant industry events, festival performances, and tours, Jordan found himself relying on the drug to ease the pressure and quiet his overactive mind.
He recalls the surreal experience of going from playing at a friend's prom to being invited to events with celebrities he had only ever seen on TV. The excitement was overwhelming, but Jordan also struggled with obsessive thoughts about how he interacted with people. Even small gestures like saying goodbye became a source of anxiety, leading him to overthink and obsess over every detail.
As the duo continued to dominate the British hip hop scene, Jordan's cocaine use became a problem that he eventually recognized and sought help for. But his struggles with drugs didn't end there. Jordan was later diagnosed with ADHD and began taking non-prescribed doses of modafinil to help manage his symptoms. This stimulant medication, typically used for narcolepsy, can also be prescribed for individuals with ADHD in the UK.
During a psych exam for a TV show, Jordan revealed that he had been taking two 200mg pills of modafinil daily, without a prescription. The doctor's response was to write him a prescription for a much lower dose, which sparked a memory for Jordan. He remembered reading a pamphlet about overdosing and realizing that he had been experiencing many of the symptoms listed.
Despite his struggles, Jordan and Harley continued to make music and even pursued acting, but in 2015, they went their separate ways. However, the duo recently announced their reunion and will be touring the UK next year.
Outside of his music career, Jordan has found love with Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall. The couple has been dating since 2020 and are going strong. As they prepare for their upcoming tour, Jordan wants to use his platform to raise awareness about drugs and addiction. He encourages anyone struggling to seek help and shares resources for families and individuals affected by drug or alcohol misuse.
If you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, please reach out to us. We would love to hear from you. And if you are struggling with drugs or addiction, please know that there is help available. Organizations like Adfam and DrugFam offer support for families and individuals, and the NHS can provide information on seeking help. Let's support each other and break the stigma surrounding addiction.
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