Quits drugs
Williams discusses his drug use with People magazine, including his decision to quit cocaine and alcohol six months before the birth of his first son, Zachary. The decision is also prompted by John Belushi’s death from an overdose a few hours after Williams snorted cocaine with him at the Chateau Marmont:
The Belushi tragedy was frightening. He was the strongest. A bull with incredible energy. His death scared a whole group of show business people. It caused a big exodus from drugs. And for me there was the baby coming. I knew I couldn’t be a father and live that sort of life.
He says he realizes he doesn’t have to be ‘on’ all the time:
I take more down time. Catatonic time when I’m absorbing information. People say I’m absorbent—makes me think I’m a giant Tampax
A friend:
No visit to the Betty Ford Center, no therapeutic support. He just quit, and he hasn’t touched drugs or drink since.