Music is one of the best forms of art because it is one of the easiest ways to express oneself. 

It is why powerful songs have been written over the years about the different things that affect human nature.

While love and its various counterparts are one of the most popular themes in music, drug use is also quite popular.

Through writing songs about drugs, several artists have been able to be honest about their drug addiction and recovery and to show their listeners suffering from a similar fate that they are not alone.

In this article, we discuss the 30 best songs that have been written about drug use.

1. “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” by The Beatles

The Beatles are unarguably one of the biggest rock bands to have ever existed. The band members dabbled with drugs in the late 60s, which led to the song “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.”

This is one of those songs you did know were about drugs because of the innuendos and metaphors.

Although the band claims it is not a song about drugs, fans beg to differ because the song references an LSD trip.

2. “Breaking The Habit” by Linkin Park

“So, I’m breaking the habit; I’m breaking the habit tonight.”

Linkin Park is an American rock band that gained popularity in the late 90s.

In their hit song “Breaking The Habit,” the lead singer passionately sings about his struggles with drug addiction and how he has been trying to overcome them.

This is the perfect rock song about drugs, teaching the young and old that they can combat illegal or overusing drugs.

3. “Sober” by Kelly Clarkson

From the title of this song, you would already know that it is a song about addiction. 

In “Sober,” Kelly sings about her addiction to a relationship that feels like drugs.

This song might not be about drugs, but it portrays addiction nonetheless and teaches you that even though recovering from addiction is hard, becoming sober is possible.

4. “Hunger” by Florence And The Machine

Florence And The Machine uses her angelic voice to deliver a comforting song for individuals addicted to drugs in “Hunger.”

“Hunger” is a song about using drugs and the strong desire that comes with it.

In listening to this song, you will find the strength to walk away from drugs and develop healthier ways to cope without the drugs.

5. “Not Afraid” by Eminem

People under the influence of drugs and struggling to get out of it can draw strength from this rap song about drug addiction by Eminem, “Not Afraid.”

In this song, Eminem raps about his drug addiction struggles and reminds listeners that they are never alone.

In 2018, during a concert, Eminem dedicated this song to addiction recovery and to fans that have lost loved ones to drug addiction.

6. “Old Ways” by Demi Lovato

As the title suggests, “Old Ways” is a song about a drug user in recovery.

Demi Lovato recorded this song in response to all those that never believed she could recover from drug addiction.

This song is for all those who have tried to recover from drug addiction but have been told it’s impossible but are still striving. 

We see you, and you can do it!

7. “Going Through Changes” by Eminem

In recent years, Eminem has been one of the few rappers that makes music about drugs.

Again, Eminem raps about how drug addiction recovery is a long journey that requires changes.

He lyrically describes the highs and lows associated with the recovery and reminds drug addicts that it’s inevitable, but they can overcome it if they try.

8. “Sober” by Pink

Pink is a pop artiste who is popular for recording love or heartbreak songs but veers off to talk about her drug struggles in “Sober.”

This song asks an interesting question that very few have answered: “But how do I feel this good sober?”

Dealing with addiction might be hard, but recovery is the most rewarding outcome because it will turn your life around.

9. “Recovery” by James Arthur

“I don’t wanna play this game no more.”

James Arthur is an English pop artiste that has struggled with substance abuse in the past and is very open about his struggles and recovery process.

In “Recovery,” James reflects on his drug addiction past and the benefits of being sober. In sobriety, James has been able to keep soaring and writing songs.

10. “Recover” by Natasha Beddingfield

In this riveting song about drugs titled “Recover” by Natasha Beddingfield, hope is provided and restored for drug addicts all over the world.

In the lines “I know that we will recover,” Natasha offers strength and assurance to all those struggling with addiction.

The road to recovery might be filled with thorns and wild ones, but one thing is for sure, as long as you are determined, you will recover.

11. “10 Crack Commandments” by Notorious B.I.G

This song about drugs is unlike Eminem’s cool and solemn rap about drug addiction recovery.

In “10 Crack Commandments,” Notorious B.I.G lists 10 fundamental rules to becoming a drug kingpin (not that we recommend it).

12. “The Needle And The Damage Done” by Neil Young

“The Needle And The Damage Done” is a song inspired by the death of Crazy Horse Roadie Bruce Berry due to a heroin overdose.

In the line “every junkie’s like a setting sun,” Neil metaphorically sings about how death is the inevitable end of every junkie.

If you don’t want to end up like other junkies that have lost their lives to heroin, seek help.

13. “Life Is Beautiful” by Sixx A.M.

“Life Is Beautiful” is a song about heroin that encourages listeners to abandon substances that can negatively impact their whole life.

This song references heroin abuse as one of those things that makes life less beautiful and prevents its victims from having a meaningful life.

The opening line, “You can’t quit until you try,” is enough to draw the attention of any listener struggling with heroin addiction.

14. “Amazing” by Aerosmith

“When the moment arrives that you know you’ll be alright… it’s amazing.”

It is indeed amazing when you finally recover from substance abuse and its travails.

“Amazing” by Aerosmith is a rock ballad that chronicles the difficulties and benefits of sobriety.

In this song, the singer sings about how he thought he would never recover, but immediately he saw the light, his hope was restored, and it felt amazing.

15. “One Day At A Time” by Joe Walsh

One of the most popular songs about alcohol and cocaine abuse is “One Day At A Time” by Joe Walsh.

In this song, Joe Walsh shares his struggles with alcohol abuse and refers to his fear of abandoning alcohol as “too big deal of a mountain to climb.”

The song also suggests that the best way to recover is taking it one day at a time, with no rush.

16. “Under The Bridge” by Red Hot Chilli Peppers

In the late 80s, there was a drug abuse pandemic among different rock bands worldwide, and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers were not exempted.

“Under The Bridge” was written by Anthony Kiedis, the band’s lead singer, after he recovered from his addiction, but other band members did not.

He sings about feeling alone in his sobriety and feeling distant from his bandmates that were yet to seek help.

17. “We Found Love” by Rihanna Feat. Calvin Harris

One of the biggest hits of 2011 was recorded by Rihanna and EDM artist Calvin Harris.

“We Found Love” is a song about a couple that is victims of substance abuse and how it affects their relationship.

In the Song, Rihanna references yellow diamonds in the line “yellow diamonds in the light,” which are crystals of the MDMA drug.

18. “We Are All On Drugs” by Weezer

Weezer is an alternative rock band known for its ability to record songs that cut across diverse topics and themes.

In their hit song about drugs, “We Are All On Drugs,” the Weezer lyrically captures the causes of drug abuse and the aftermath of engaging in the act.

This song can also be applied to all sorts of addictions, as drugs aren’t the only substance that intoxicates people.

19. “Can’t Feel My Face” by The Weeknd

When “Can’t Feel My Face” was released in 2015, fans asked many questions about the mental state of The Weeknd, and one of the most prevalent was “what kind of drugs does The Weeknd do?”

In this song, The Weeknd uses innuendos and metaphors to sing about his drug struggles and how he wants to quit, but it seems impossible.

20. “One Toke Over The Line” by Brewer And Shipley

Brewer and Shipley were a folk group that gained recognition in the 60s from honing the folk genre, and “One Toke Over The Line” is their biggest song.

Brewer wrote this song after getting stoned from smoking marijuana with friends, and one of them said he was “one toke over the line.”

“One Toke” is a metaphor that means excess, which was the situation Brewer found himself in when he received inspiration for the song.

21. “Ayo For Yayo” by Andre Nickatina Feat. San Quinn

This is one of the most popular songs about cocaine, as “Yayo” is slang for cocaine.

“Ayo For Yayo” by Andre Nickatina and San Quinn is a song that details the highs and lows of taking cocaine.

The song encourages listeners to abstain from substance abuse because while it might feel good, the after-effects are always daunting.

22. “Swimming Pools” by Kendrick Lamar

One of the most critically acclaimed conscious rappers of the 21st Century, Kendrick Lamar, sings about alcohol abuse in “Swimming Pools.”

“Swimming Pools” is riddled with poetic lyrics describing the factors influencing excessive drinking at parties.

Sometimes, excessive alcohol intake is influenced by the need to self-destruct, and other times, it’s because of peer influence.

23. “Antidote” by Travis Scott

“Antidote” is one of Travis Scott’s biggest songs that landed him in the limelight.

In this song, Travis sings about different types of drug use, and he uses drugs and marijuana to numb his negative thoughts from taking over.

He also sings about how being high on drugs helped him overcome some of his darkest days.

24. “Mary Jane” by Rick James

Many listeners thought this song was about Rick James’ love for a woman named Mary Jane but were disappointed when the real meaning was revealed.

In “Mary Jane,” Rick James sings about his infatuation for Mary Jane, which is slang for marijuana.

25. “Mother’s Little Helper” by The Rolling Stone

Rolling Stone is a British rock band mostly known for its controversial lyrics in the 60s.

“Mother’s Little Helper” is a song about drugs, but it doesn’t convey the same message as the other songs on this list.

In this song, Rolling Stone sings about how housewives were prescribed tranquilizers to deal with their mental travails in the 50s and 60s.

26. “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix

If you ask Jimi Hendrix, he would tell you that “Purple Haze” is a love song, but the media and fans alike beg to differ.

This song describes the purple strain of marijuana, its effects on Jimi Hendrix’s mind as a spell, and how he doesn’t know if he’s going high or low.

27. “Purple Pills” by D12

“Purple Pills” is a song by D12, a rap group formed by Eminem in the 90s.

In this song, each group member takes turns delivering bars and double entendres about the psychoactive effects of drug use on their minds, a classic 90s rap song.

28. “Cocaine” by Eric Clapton

The message of this song should be quite obvious from its title because in “Cocaine,” Eric Clapton encourages his listeners to try the substance cocaine. 

Because of Eric’s show of bravado in the lyrics, there was an increased surge in the use of cocaine in the 80s.

Parents forbade their young children from listening to the song because of the influence they feared the song carried.

29. “Drug Addiction” by Colicchie

“Drug Addiction” by Colicchie is a powerful song about drug abuse and how it adversely affects lives.

In this song, the singer details his struggles with drugs and the difficulties in trying to abstain after years of addiction.

Colicchie emotionally bared himself in this song, making it one of the best songs about drugs that changes the lives of drug addicts for the better.

30. “Hurt” by Johnny Cash

“Hurt” is a delicious blend of gospel, rock and roll, and country sounds recorded by Johnny Cash.

In this song, Johnny sings about drug addiction and his recovery struggles.

It is a song that has encouraged many to quit substance abuse and seek help from the right sources. It’s also one of the best country songs of all time.

Songs About Drugs – Final Thoughts

The songs discussed in this article might be groovy or folksy, but they can also be exploited as a resourceful tool to help anyone recovering from drug addiction.

Curate a playlist with these songs about drugs; listen, and the beautiful tunes and voices will guide you.

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Songs About Weed

Songs About Pain

Songs About Hope