Elon Musk has made no secret of his fondness for ketamine, but a new report from The New York Times reveals that over the past year, he’s been “using drugs far more intensely than previously known” — to the point where Musk has told people he has experienced bladder issues, a symptom associated with excessive ketamine use.
Citing “people familiar with his activity,” The New York Times reports that the tech mogul has been consuming ketamine sometimes daily, often mixing it with other drugs. His usage allegedly increased as he took on a more active political role—first as a prominent supporter of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, and later as the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—all while managing responsibilities at his various companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter).
Musk also allegedly uses Ecstasy, psychedelic mushrooms, and weight loss drugs, and travels with a daily medication box that holds about 20 pills, including ones with the markings of the stimulant Adderall, according to a photo of the box and people who have seen it.
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In a 2024 interview with Don Lemon, Musk acknowledged that he uses ketamine as a prescribed treatment for negative moods, but denied that he indulged in the drug. “If you’ve used too much ketamine, you can’t really get work done, and I have a lot of work,” he said.
The New York Times article also delves into Musk’s ongoing legal disputes and custody battles with several women he shares children with, including Grimes. The singer has been embroiled in a contentious custody settlement over the three children she shares with Musk. According to the report, Grimes believes Musk has violated their agreement to keep their children out of the public eye; Musk is often seen in public with their eldest son, X. She reportedly worries about his safety, as well as the impact of frequent travel and sleep deprivation on his health.
Earlier this week, Musk announced that he was stepping back from his role in the Trump administration.
