Bryan Greenberg reveals personal struggle with opioid addiction, inspiring his latest film 'Junction'

'I decided to make my own story': Bryan Greenberg reveals personal struggle with opioid addiction, inspiring his latest film 'Junction'
Bryan Greenberg's 'Junction' will be out on January 26 (@bryangreenberg/X)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bryan Greenberg discusses a period in his life when he was "hooked" to opioid drugs, an experience that served as the inspiration for his upcoming film, 'Junction.'

The star in an interview with People Magazine, gave an insight into his dark days and his struggle.

"There is a vast array of people that we see in 90 minutes of this film, but it all folds into one cohesive story in the end," Greenberg said.



 

Greenberg wanted to share his story through 'Junction'

The 45-year-old who has also written and directed the movie, added, "I took a lot on with this film, more than I ever have with any other project. I decided to make my own story."

"My inspiration came because a few years ago, while I'm not an addict, I went in for a routine surgery and I was prescribed Oxycontin, and I got really hooked on them," Bryan explained.

"And I was getting dope sick getting off of them."



 

How did Greenberg get into Opioids?

The actor revealed the circumstances leading to his prescription medication use.

Bryan underwent hernia surgery nearly a decade ago and was initially prescribed Oxycontin for pain relief. Regrettably, he gradually began consuming more than the prescribed dosage.

 

"It was just like one pill turned into four pills a day, turned into 10 pills a day, turned into 15 pills a day. I was like, 'Oh, I've got to probably stop doing this, this is getting to me," he shared.

"It was like, 'Oh, I feel sick without them. I need them. I'm actually physically ill without them.'"

This leads us to the character of Michael in the movie. "He's not trying to get high. He just doesn't want to feel sick. And that's a common thing. A lot of people are just trying to hit a baseline of not throwing up and sweating and being feverish," Greenberg explains.

In reality, Greenberg considers himself fortunate. "My doctors basically just cut me off. They were like, 'You're done.' I could have taken the illegal route. You can begin sourcing pills elsewhere. And if pills aren't available, one could resort to the streets. Nowadays, you don't have to search very far at all," he stated.

'Junction' is set to be released on January 26. The dark drama stars Bryan Greenberg's wife, Jamie Chung, alongside Sophia Bush, Ashley Madekwe, Josh Peck, and Dascha Polanco.

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