Zac Efron’s friends worry he has fallen off the wagon as actor’s 'erratic behavior' concerns fans

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Fans are not the only ones worried about Zac Efron. A new report claims that the star's friends are also increasingly concerned by an uptick in his unpredictable conduct.

Moreover, the actor's recent appearance on 'The Today Show' was also disconcerting for fans as he insisted on wearing dark shades the entire time, raising questions about what he might be hiding.

Zac Efron's friend fears actor 'isn't ready to be thrust back into ugly world of fame'

Sources claim that the strange behavior, like donning sunglasses while on 'Today Show', has raised concerns that Efron is headed for a relapse of his past drug misuse issues.

An insider informed Radar Online, "There's a growing concern about Zac's erratic behavior, prompting worries he may be struggling with being in the spotlight once again."

"The change in his demeanor backstage is noticeable, with the vibrant sparkle in his eyes replaced by a blank stare," the insider added. "The fear is he isn't ready to be thrust back into the ugly world of fame."

Zac was accused by fans of trying to hide his plastic surgery

Efron's odd behavior was on full display as he appeared on 'The Today Show' to promote his most recent production, 'The Iron Claw'. Many followers wondered if he was hiding a possibly botched plastic surgery.

The actor himself addressed the question at the beginning of the interview.

Efron clarified at the time, "I feel weird being in shades! I just have a bit of an eye infection. But I really wanted to be here. It's such a good movie, and I want to come see you guys and tell everyone about it."

However, this explanation did not convince everyone. Soon, a swarm of rumors began circulating online, claiming that the actor was hiding something else—plastic surgery, specifically—with the sunglasses.

This is not entirely out of the question, considering Efron has been the target of allegations of plastic surgery for years.

The 'High School Musical' star even acknowledged having surgery—but not for aesthetic purposes. Efron claimed he broke his chin and smashed his jaw in an accident at home that nearly killed him and needed reconstructive surgery to fix, as per The Things.

Zac Efron admitted past struggles with substance abuse

Nevertheless, several fans conjectured that Efron's actions were a result of substance usage, a problem he has previously acknowledged.

In 2013, Efron checked himself into a rehab facility due to his addiction to cocaine and alcohol. He revealed his thoughts about overcoming the obstacle to The Hollywood Reporter at the time.

"It’s a never-ending struggle," the performer stated in 2014. "I was drinking a lot, way too much." He acknowledged that following his 'High School Musical' days, he was "burnt out."

Efron said, "I had done films back-to-back-to-back. I was burnt out. There was something lacking, some sort of hole that I couldn’t really fill up. I was just so deep into my work, it was really the only thing I had."

Efron claimed at the time that his hardships had benefited his personal development. He continued, saying, "I mean, you’re in your 20s, single, going through life in Hollywood, you know?"

He also added that he had started both counseling and Alcoholic Anonymous. "Everything is thrown at you. I wouldn’t take anything back; I needed to learn everything I did," Efron said.

He added, "I just started going, and I think it’s changed my life. I’m much more comfortable in my own skin. Things are so much easier now."