Israeli Actor Itay Turgeman Reveals Struggle With Addiction
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israeli actor and host Itay Turgeman revealed his struggle with a severe alcohol and drug addiction that impacted his career. He shared that his addiction began with alcohol becoming a close companion and escalated to frequent partying and drug use, normalized by his social circle. Turgeman initially denied the severity of his addiction but now recognizes it as a "severe case" that affected his acting, making him feel worthy only when performing. He is a prominent figure in Israeli entertainment and also works as an emotional coach.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Actor Itay Turgeman revealed his long-term battle with alcohol and drug addiction.
- He described alcohol as becoming his "close and good friend" during his career.
- Turgeman initially denied the severity of his addiction, even in a support group.
- He stated that his addiction made him feel worthy only when he was acting.
- Turgeman is a well-known actor, host, and emotional coach in Israel.
Israeli actor and host Itay Turgeman has opened up about his long-term battle with alcohol and drug addiction, which he says accompanied his acting career. In a preview of an upcoming episode of the show "Mitzvah Menatzeach" on Keshet 12, Turgeman shared with fellow participants how alcohol became his "close and good friend," leading to a concerning situation.
Turgeman described a turning point when his psychotherapist suggested he join a support group for addicts. Initially, he resisted, believing his career was stable and that his social circle normalized his behavior, which included frequent outings, drinking, and drug use.
He admitted that even his first attendance at a support group meeting was marked by denial, as he told others he didn't think his case was "so severe." However, reflecting on his past, Turgeman now acknowledges, "Today I know how to say that I was in a severe case."
The addiction also impacted his acting career, transforming his passion into a necessity. "It started from a dream and pure love, and it became 'I'm acting because I have to, because it's my medicine.' Because only when I'm on set, and only when I'm famous and at the peak of my popularity, do I feel worthy," he explained.
Turgeman, also known as "Turgi," is a well-known figure in Israel's entertainment industry, recognized for his roles in films, theater, and television shows like "Exit" and "Zוג מנצח VIP." He is also an emotional coach and has recently undergone a process of religious observance and spiritual strengthening. He is married and has a son.
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