Bernard Campan Reflects on His Past Trials with Hard Drugs and Alcohol

Published8. September 2025, 11:20 am

Bernard Campan: “Towards the end of the strangers, I tested hard drugs”

The French actor, ex-member of the unknown, confided in his addictions in the French press.

Bernard Campan tested hard drugs a few years ago.

AFP

We know him smiling and joking alongside his former acolytes Didier Bourdon and Pascal Légitimus, but Bernard Campan lived dark periods. “Towards the end of the strangers, I experienced a lot of things. Hard drugs, among others, “he told the Sunday forum. “I have always been attracted by the idea of ​​death. At the start, it was a fascination, an enigma. I wanted to understand, ”he added. “Then it became a fear. And today, I exceeded the age at which my father died. Aging older than his own father, it stirs ”.

“I tested and I was caught up”

When he fell into drugs, he had “the impression of being immortal and having time in front of me. So, I tested and I was caught up ”. But he quickly understood that winning “is a war” and recognizes today that it is part of its construction. How did he decided to stop? “One day, a woman on the street recognized me and said to me: ” But … what happens to you? ” And in her eyes, I saw. I had changed my head, I had lost weight. It was a violent, but saving mirror. “

“I like drunkenness, this moment when tensions drop, when everything becomes sweeter”

He then meets his wife, Anne, with whom he has been married since 1989 and with whom he has two children, Nina and Loan. With her, he experiences intoxication that he has not completely abandoned. “I never stopped completely. I pay attention, but I like drunkenness, this moment when tensions drop, when everything becomes softer, ”he explains. “It helps me to get. In the evening, a drink. Sometimes two. Sometimes three. I try not to switch. And despite that, I am a present father and a loving husband ”.

It will be, from September 18, on the poster of the play “One step aside” with Isabelle Carré, at the Théâtre de la Renaissance. He finds the actress with whom he played in “Remember beautiful things” (2001), “tasting” (2022) and “and more if affinities” (2024).

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What specific anxieties did Bernard campan initially attempt to cope with through substance use?

Early Life and the Seeds of Addiction

Bernard Campan, the celebrated French actor and comedian, has openly discussed his decades-long battle with substance abuse. His story isn’t one of glamorous excess, but a deeply personal struggle that began in his youth. While achieving early success with the Splendid troupe alongside Christian Clavier and Thierry Lhermitte, Campan found himself increasingly reliant on alcohol and, later, hard drugs – primarily cocaine – to cope with the pressures of fame and a burgeoning anxiety disorder.

He’s described a feeling of inadequacy despite outward success, a common thread amongst performers battling addiction. This internal conflict fueled a cycle of self-medication. The initial appeal of these substances, he’s stated in interviews, was thier ability to temporarily silence the critical voice within and provide a sense of belonging within certain social circles. Early exposure to alcohol within his family, while not abusive, also contributed to a normalized relationship with its use.

The Escalation of Substance Abuse & Impact on Career

The 1980s and 90s saw Campan’s career flourish, with iconic films like Les Bronzés and Le Père noël est une ordure cementing his place in French comedic history. Though, behind the laughter, his addiction was spiraling. Cocaine became a regular fixture, initially used to maintain energy levels during demanding filming schedules, but quickly evolving into a compulsive need.

Decreased Performance Quality: While he managed to maintain a professional facade for a considerable time, colleagues noted periods of erratic behavior and diminished performance.

strained Relationships: His personal relationships suffered immensely. The secrecy and deception inherent in addiction eroded trust with family and friends.

Financial Strain: Maintaining a cocaine habit is expensive, and Campan admitted to meaningful financial difficulties as a result.

Legal Issues: Though he avoided major legal repercussions, he acknowledged several close calls and brushes with the law related to his substance use.

The pressure to constantly be “on” as a comedian, coupled with the isolating nature of addiction, created a dangerous feedback loop. he attempted to control his use, but found himself repeatedly failing. He described feeling trapped, unable to escape the cycle despite recognizing its destructive path. The term “high-functioning addict” often applies to individuals like Campan, who manage to maintain outward appearances of success while internally battling a severe addiction.

The Turning Point: Facing Rock Bottom

The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a critical turning point. A particularly harrowing experience – the details of which Campan has been reluctant to fully disclose – forced him to confront the severity of his situation.he’s alluded to a health scare and a deeply upsetting incident involving his family that served as a wake-up call.

This period led to a series of unsuccessful attempts at self-detoxification, each followed by relapse. he realized he couldn’t overcome his addiction alone. The stigma surrounding addiction, particularly in the public eye, initially prevented him from seeking help. Fear of damaging his reputation and losing his career kept him silent for years.

Seeking Help and the Road to Recovery

In 2003,Campan finally entered a rehabilitation clinic. This decision, he says, was the hardest but most crucial of his life.He underwent intensive therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and group counseling.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): helped him identify and challenge the thought patterns and behaviors that contributed to his addiction.

Group Therapy: Provided a safe and supportive environment to connect with others facing similar struggles, reducing feelings of isolation.

Family Therapy: Addressed the impact of his addiction on his family and began the process of rebuilding trust.

Medication: While not the primary focus, medication was used to manage withdrawal symptoms and address underlying anxiety.

recovery wasn’t linear. Campan has spoken candidly about relapses and setbacks, emphasizing that recovery is an ongoing process, not a destination. He credits the support of his family, friends, and therapists with helping him navigate these challenges. He also found solace in rediscovering passions outside of his career, such as painting and spending time in nature.

Campan’s Advocacy and Current Life

Today, Bernard Campan is a vocal advocate for addiction awareness and recovery. He frequently shares his story in interviews and public appearances, hoping to destigmatize addiction and encourage others to seek help. He emphasizes the importance of early intervention and access to quality treatment.

He continues to work as an actor and comedian, but now prioritizes his health and well-being. He’s become a strong proponent of mindfulness and self-care practices.His experience has profoundly shaped his perspective on life,and he frequently enough incorporates themes of vulnerability and resilience into his work. He actively supports organizations dedicated to addiction treatment and prevention, using his platform to raise awareness and funds. His story serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is absolutely possible, even after decades of struggle, and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Understanding Addiction: Resources & Support

For individuals struggling with substance abuse or those seeking to help a loved one,here are some valuable resources:

* SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – A confidential,free,2