Paris Jackson breaks silence on drug use: How addiction ‘ruined’ her life, and how she’s thriving now

Paris Jackson, the 27-year-old daughter of the late pop legend Michael Jackson, has opened up about the lasting effects of her past drug usez and how it changed her life forever. In a candid TikTok video shared on November 10, 2025, Paris revealed she developed a perforated septum, a medical condition caused by substance abuse, which left her with a distinct whistling sound when she breathes.

“I never actually addressed this,” she began. “I have a really loud whistle when I breathe through my nose, and that’s because I have what’s called a perforated septum.” The singer and model didn’t hold back as she acknowledged the cause directly: “It’s from what you think it’s from. Don’t do drugs, kids.”

What Happened to Paris Jackson’s Nose? The Truth Behind the “Whistle”

In the video, Paris shined a light up her nose to show the hole in her nasal septum, clarifying that the condition is “slightly different from a deviated septum.” According to Cleveland Clinic, a perforated septum is a hole in the cartilage or bone separating the nostrils, often linked to drug misuse, infections, or trauma.

Paris admitted she had lived with the issue since she was about 20 years old, saying it occasionally affects her music recordings. “It’s stressful sometimes, especially when I’m in the studio,” she explained. Still, the musician has chosen not to undergo surgery, noting that she’s six years sober and avoids procedures that might involve painkillers. “You have to take pills when you do a surgery that gnarly, and I don’t want to mess with that,” she said.

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“Drugs Ruined My Life,” Says Paris Jackson

While lighthearted at moments, Paris’s message carried a sobering truth. “I don’t recommend drugs, it ruined my life,” she said. Though she emphasized that everyone must live their own experiences, her words echoed a firm warning to her fans: addiction has real and lasting consequences.

The musician and activist has been open about her battles with mental health and substance abuse in the past. She’s previously spoken about finding peace through sobriety, therapy, and self-expression in music and art. Her transparency continues to inspire fans facing similar struggles.

How Paris Jackson Is Doing Now, Six Years Sober and Empowered

Today, Paris Jackson is thriving. She recently celebrated six years of sobriety, marking a milestone in her recovery journey. Speaking at the Friendly House Awards Luncheon in Los Angeles in October 2025, where she received the Shining Star Award, she shared a powerful reflection:
“I didn’t just get my life back. I got a better one.”

She described sobriety as “a car crash where everything shoved in the back seat came flying forward,” a metaphor for facing buried emotions and trauma head-on. Paris credited Friendly House, a rehabilitation program for women, for helping her rebuild her life. “Getting someone to develop conscious contact has easily been the greatest action I’ve ever taken,” she said.

Paris Jackson’s Message to Fans: Recovery Is Possible

Paris’s revelation sparked widespread support from fans and fellow celebrities, many praising her for breaking the stigma around addiction. Her honesty not only sheds light on the long-term effects of drug use but also serves as a reminder of the power of recovery.

In an age where celebrity stories often glamorize excess, Paris Jackson’s authenticity stands out. Her journey from addiction to empowerment shows that healing is possible, and that even painful scars, physical or emotional, can become symbols of strength.

FAQ

1. What did Paris Jackson say about her past drug use?
Paris Jackson revealed that her history of substance abuse caused a perforated septum, a hole in her nasal passage. She admitted that drug use “ruined” her life and urged fans not to make the same mistake.

2. What is a perforated septum and how did Paris Jackson get it?
A perforated septum is a hole in the cartilage or bone that separates the nostrils. Paris said it was caused by her past drug use, adding that it gives her a noticeable “whistle” sound when she breathes.

3. How long has Paris Jackson been sober?
Paris Jackson has been six years sober as of 2025. She celebrated the milestone at the Friendly House Awards in Los Angeles, crediting her recovery to therapy and a supportive sober community.

4. Does Paris Jackson plan to fix her nose condition?
No. Paris said she doesn’t plan to undergo surgery to repair the perforated septum because such procedures often require post-surgery pain medication, which she prefers to avoid while maintaining sobriety.

5. How is Paris Jackson doing now?
Paris is healthy, sober, and thriving in her music and advocacy work. She continues to inspire fans through her openness about mental health, addiction, and recovery.

6. What is Friendly House and how is Paris involved?
Friendly House is a Los Angeles-based recovery program for women healing from trauma and addiction. Paris was honored with the Shining Star Award in 2025 for her advocacy and contributions to the sobriety movement.

7. What’s Paris Jackson’s message about drugs?
Her message is clear: “Don’t do drugs.” She explained that while everyone learns life’s lessons differently, addiction nearly destroyed her, and she’s grateful to have rebuilt her life through sobriety.