Schlager star Ben Zucker: “I am alcoholic”

For the first time, hit star Ben Zucker (42) gives deep insights into the fight with his personal demons. In his upcoming autobiography “Fighters Heart” (ET: September 10) and the musician addresses his many years of alcohol addiction.

Zucker’s problem did not develop overnight, but slowly fought her way into his life. The artist originally used alcohol as a tool to deal with the enormous nervousness in front of appearances and the growing pressure to perform after the long -awaited breakthrough. What started harmlessly developed into a dependency on alcohol as a coping mechanism and thus into a serious addiction.

During the pandemic, Zucker’s situation tightened dramatically. Tour failures and social isolation drove it into a destructive routine. The singer describes a time when he consumed alcohol every day and was in a continuing state of intoxication.

“I ordered pizza home every day and drank vodka in parallel. I kept keeping a level,” admits sugar openly. A whole bottle of vodka daily became normal, often from noon. His perception of reality was so distorted that he considered himself infallible in this state.

Sugar experienced the decisive turning point in the shower when he perceived his physical condition. The weight gain of at least 15 kilograms and the loss of self -esteem led to relentless self -reflection. “I lost my self -respect and found myself repulsive. And since I am also vain, I said: Now it has to be the end of work.”

In autumn 2024, the musician looked for professional support and completed a 21-day therapy in a specialist clinic. There he met people from various professional groups – entrepreneurs, lawyers and doctors – who had had similar experiences.

The therapy gave him important insights into dealing with his illness and helped him to understand the underlying mechanisms of his dependency. It was particularly valuable to him that professional pressure is a frequent trigger for addiction problems.

The addiction problem was not without consequences for Zucker’s private relationships. His partner at the time tried in vain to help him, but could not arrive against the power of dependency. “That was certainly a reason why this relationship failed,” he believes.

His mother Christine was also informed about the situation and was very worried, but also knew that allegations would not help. “She knew that at some point I would pull my tears,” said sugar.

Ben sugar continues to drink. “I’m not that far to do without alcohol. I just can’t do that yet,” he explains honestly. “I could also say I am alcoholic,” he emphasizes and at the same time criticizes the social prejudices against those affected.

With his open commitment to alcohol disease, Zucker makes a contribution to the horror of addiction. And his message is clear: help begins with honesty – towards yourself and others.