Barry Keoghan Recounts Near-Death Experience, Credits It for Sobriety

Irish actor Barry Keoghan, known for his roles in "The Batman" and "Saltburn," has opened up about a deeply personal and transformative near-death experience that occurred during his battle with addiction. In a candid interview on the "Friends Keep Secrets" podcast, Keoghan detailed a critical episode in London where he believes he was clinically dead for a few moments. He described a vivid vision of "fields, wind, and a girl walking away," and a sensation of being attacked, which he later understood to be medical professionals attempting to resuscitate him. This profound encounter served as a crucial catalyst for his journey toward sobriety. Keoghan revealed that he has been clean for two and a half years, a feat achieved after three previous rehabilitation attempts. He highlighted the interconnectedness of his alcohol and drug use, noting that drinking often triggered a desire for other substances. The actor's path has been marked by significant hardship since childhood, including being raised in foster care after his parents' deaths. The fact that his mother died of a heroin overdose at the age of 32, the same age he experienced his near-death episode, added a layer of profound significance to the event. This realization spurred him to change his life trajectory. Now, Keoghan expresses a sense of peace and responsibility, embracing his roles as an artist and a father. He describes his current state as being "at peace" and "responsible," with a clearer and more colorful outlook on life, a stark contrast to the "fog" he previously experienced. The article also notes Argentina's legal framework for addressing problematic substance use, referencing the national helpline SEDRONAR.

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I stayed for a few seconds... there was like an image, fields, wind... and a girl walking away.