Craig Ferguson, now in his late 50s and over 25 years sober, reflects on his tumultuous past in his book Riding the Elephant, a collection of meditative essays about his journey through addiction, recovery, and life as a comic, drummer, and television host.
He candidly discusses his struggles with alcohol, his sensitivity as a child, and a desperate quest for validation that led to dark moments, including a suicide attempt narrowly avoided through an ironic intervention by alcohol itself. Ferguson describes sobriety as a continuous process, emphasizing the importance of living in the moment and addressing the “think problem” behind addiction rather than just the drinking itself. His story highlights the paradox of alcoholism and the resilience required to confront it, offering insights into maintaining authenticity and mindfulness as a way of navigating life.