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Published: Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 6:54 pm

Rapper Bow Wow Reveals Past Addiction to Cough Syrup, Urges Youth to Avoid Dangerous Trend

In a candid and emotional series of tweets following the passing of Mac Miller, rapper Shad Moss, known to fans as Bow Wow, has publicly disclosed a past struggle with cough syrup addiction. The artist detailed his daily use of the substance, often referred to as "lean," during significant periods of his career, including the creation of his album "FACE OFF" with Omarion and his UCP tour with Chris Brown.

Bow Wow described a daily regimen of consuming "4's" at least seven times a day, admitting that his behavior and attitude shifted dramatically during this period. He noted a negative impact on his relationship with his fans and family, stating, "My fans started to...Turn on me my family too." He clarified that he never promoted the use of lean in his music.

The turning point, according to Bow Wow, came after a show in Cincinnati. He recounted collapsing backstage and waking up in a hospital experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. He described the physical and emotional toll, saying, "I never felt a pain like that ever." He detailed experiencing extreme cold, necessitating the wearing of multiple hoodies despite the summer season, and revealed that his addiction led him to miss performances in Chicago and Baltimore.

"I was doing it to be cool!" Bow Wow stated, emphasizing the dangerous allure of peer pressure and trends. He issued a strong plea to young people, urging them to reject such substances and focus on personal well-being and family. "Kick that s--t! Be a good son or daughter. Be the best you," he implored.

The rapper also revealed lasting health consequences from his addiction, stating, "To this day im affected my stomach will...Never be the same and it hasnt been." He reiterated his message of caution, advising, "DRUG FREE IS THE WAY TO BE! smarten up tighten up out here." Bow Wow expressed a desire to be more vocal about his experience to "save the youth from going out early" and implored parents to educate their children about the risks. He concluded with a heartfelt message of love and a call to break destructive cycles, stating, "We cant lose no more of you. Not one!"

Tags: Bow Wow, Shad Moss, lean, cough syrup addiction, rapper, sobriety, youth, drug addiction, withdrawal, health, celebrity confession, music industry, addiction recovery, parental guidance BNN's Perspective: Bow Wow's courageous disclosure offers a stark reminder of the pervasive dangers of substance abuse, even among those in the public eye. His willingness to share the painful realities of his addiction and its lasting impact serves as a powerful testament to the importance of seeking help and prioritizing health over fleeting trends. The message resonates particularly strongly in its appeal to young people and their families, highlighting the critical role of education and open communication in preventing devastating consequences. This personal narrative underscores the ongoing need for awareness and support systems to combat addiction.

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