Tish Cyrus Opens Up About ‘Self-Medicating’ With Weed Following ‘Tragic’ Divorce From Billy Ray Cyrus
Tish Cyrus Admits to ‘Self-Medicating’ With Weed After Her ‘Tragic’ Divorce
Tish Cyrus, widely known as the mother of pop icon Miley Cyrus and former wife of country star Billy Ray Cyrus, has recently opened up about a challenging chapter in her life. In a heartfelt conversation on “The Squeeze” podcast, Tish admitted that she resorted to smoking weed as a way to cope with the overwhelming anxiety and emotional pain following her divorce and the death of her beloved mother, Loretta Finley.
The 58-year-old shared that she had always been a believer in the healing properties of plant medicine, but it wasn’t until she experienced the “tragic” events of losing her mom and the breakdown of her 29-year marriage that she realized she was using marijuana as a form of self-medication. “I’ve been very open that I was a major weed smoker,” Tish confessed. “At that time, that was almost like medicine for me.”
The Emotional Toll of Loss and Divorce
Tish’s mother, affectionately known as “Mamie” by Miley Cyrus, passed away in 2020 at the age of 85. The close-knit family had shared a deep bond, with Loretta living with them during Miley’s rise to fame on the Disney show *Hannah Montana*. After Loretta moved into a nearby home, she remained a significant presence in their lives. Her passing marked a profound loss for Tish and her children.
Shortly after her mother’s death, Tish’s marriage to Billy Ray Cyrus began to unravel. The couple officially separated in early 2020, with Tish filing for divorce in April 2022, citing irreconcilable differences. The end of their nearly three-decade-long marriage was a devastating blow, compounding the grief she was already experiencing.
During this difficult period, Tish found herself increasingly dependent on weed to numb the pain. “I did not, like, process or even stop to really think,” she admitted. “It kinda numbed all that pain.” However, when she decided to quit smoking, she was hit with intense anxiety that affected her ability to function daily. “I was just in full-on anxiety to the point, like, not functioning. And I did not know what was happening.”
Finding Healing Through Therapy and New Love
Despite the turmoil, Tish credits therapy as a pivotal factor in her recovery. Opening up about her life, anxieties, and the pressures of raising children in the entertainment business helped her confront her struggles head-on. “When I started therapy, and I really started talking about my life and moving out here and my kids in the business and what my life had been, they were like, ‘Wow,’” she shared.
Therapy provided Tish with a safe space to process her emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. She emphasized that while the suffering didn’t disappear overnight, she gradually learned to manage her anxiety and improve her mental health.
In August 2023, Tish found happiness again, marrying actor Dominic Purcell. She described their relationship as “so safe” and free of drama, offering her a stable foundation to heal and grow. “It gave me this place to stand still and, like, feel all these feelings,” she explained. This new chapter has brought renewed hope and strength to Tish’s life.
Understanding the Impact of Self-Medicating With Weed During Emotional Trauma
Tish Cyrus’s story sheds light on a common but often misunderstood response to emotional trauma: self-medicating with substances like marijuana. Many individuals turn to weed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, or grief, especially when professional support feels out of reach or overwhelming.
While marijuana can provide temporary relief, it may also mask underlying issues that require attention. Tish’s experience highlights the importance of seeking therapy and professional help to address mental health challenges rather than relying solely on self-medication.
Her openness about her journey encourages others facing similar struggles to acknowledge their pain and pursue healthier paths to healing. It also underscores the value of supportive relationships and safe environments in overcoming adversity.
The Role of Plant Medicine and Mental Health Awareness
Tish’s belief in plant medicine reflects a growing cultural acceptance of alternative therapies, including cannabis, for managing mental health conditions. However, her story also serves as a reminder that such approaches should be complemented by professional guidance.
Mental health awareness has become increasingly vital, especially as many people grapple with anxiety and loss in today’s fast-paced world. By sharing her vulnerabilities, Tish Cyrus contributes to destigmatizing mental health discussions and encourages others to seek help without shame.
Conclusion
Tish Cyrus’s candid admission of self-medicating with weed after her “tragic” divorce from Billy Ray Cyrus and the loss of her mother offers a powerful message about coping with grief and anxiety. Her journey from pain and dependency to healing through therapy and love demonstrates resilience and hope. If you or someone you know is struggling with similar challenges, remember that help is available, and recovery is possible. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals and support networks to start your own path toward healing today.
