In a surprising turn, Amanda Bynes has broken her silence after retreating from the public eye, shedding light on the circumstances that led to her highly publicized breakdown and her journey towards recovery.
Featured on the cover of Paper Magazine's third Break the Internet edition, the actress delves into how her drug usage triggered a tumultuous period in her life.
With aspirations of completing an Associate's degree in merchandise product development and a desire to resume her acting career, Bynes reflects on the challenges she faced a decade ago and the progression of events that spiraled out of control.
The 32-year-old Hairspray star reveals that her tryst with drugs commenced at the age of 16 with marijuana, a habit she later escalated by experimenting with molly and ecstasy.
Despite trying cocaine thrice without experiencing its effects, Bynes admits to a regular misuse of Adderall, leading to adverse consequences.
Following her misuse of Adderall, Bynes withdrew from the movie Hall Pass due to being mentally disoriented from the medication.
However, the tipping point arrived after watching herself in the film Easy A alongside Emma Stone.
Bynes recollects her dismay at her portrayal in the movie, a revelation that prompted her abrupt decision to quit acting.
Recalling the pivotal moment, Bynes discloses, “I was high on marijuana when I saw that but for some reason it really started to affect me.
I don't know if it was a drug-induced psychosis or what, but it affected my brain in a different way than it affects other people.
It absolutely changed my perception of things.”
Subsequently, Bynes publicly announced her retirement from acting via a tweet, a decision she now regrets.
The actress found herself immersed in a desolate phase, associating with a dubious circle and withdrawing from social interactions.
Her drug dependency plunged her into a gloomy reality, marking a distressing chapter in her life.
With an escalating online presence, Bynes documented her erratic thoughts, attracting attention for her controversial behavior.
Despite facing legal issues, including hit-and-run charges and a DUI arrest, which were later dismissed, Bynes opted to step away from the limelight, granting her mother conservatorship over her personal affairs in 2014.
Expressing remorse for her past actions, Bynes acknowledges the harm caused by her impulsive statements and behavior.
She laments the repercussions of her actions on social media, recognizing the pain inflicted on others and the damage to her professional achievements.
Having achieved four years of sobriety, Bynes thrives at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, anticipating further academic pursuits.
Eager to reignite her passion for acting, she emphasizes her detachment from substance abuse, attributing her erratic conduct to drug influence.
By embracing a drug-free lifestyle, Bynes embraces a newfound clarity and stability, distancing herself from the turbulent past induced by substance misuse.
Her narrative serves as a testament to resilience and self-discovery, paving the way for a promising future unburdened by past afflictions.
