Rapper Redrama to discuss struggles with substance abuse and mental health in Yle Perjantai interview

Rapper Redrama, whose real name is Lasse Mellberg, was sentenced in June to five months of probation for drug-related offenses and two doping violations, all occurring in 2022. Since the sentencing, Mellberg has largely stayed out of the public eye but is set to appear in an interview with Sean Ricks on the show Yle Perjantai.

In the interview, Mellberg discusses his decision to order drugs, including psychedelic mushrooms, from the Netherlands. He explained, “At that point, I was mentally exhausted. I delved deeper into my chaotic state and wanted to stay there. That’s why I engaged in such irrational behavior.”

Mellberg, who has struggled with substance abuse for much of his life, initially began drinking at a young age, eventually trying drugs such as ecstasy, amphetamines, and cocaine. Although he achieved sobriety in his thirties and remained clean for 12 years, he faced renewed challenges in 2017 due to mental health issues, including panic attacks and depression, compounded by neuroborreliosis and financial hardships due to the pandemic.

His relapse in 2022 led him to lose control. “In the end, I had no other choice but to use,” he said. After entering rehabilitation, he faced significant struggles, including sleeping difficulties and cognitive issues, but saw improvement after 11 months of treatment.

Mellberg emphasizes that he does not fear a relapse. He credits peer support and the twelve-step recovery program as integral to his healing. “I have a healthy fear,” he acknowledges, understanding the seriousness of his situation.

The broader conversation on Yle Perjantai addresses pressing mental health issues among youth, drawing attention to the urgent need for integrated support for those facing both mental health and substance use challenges.