Matthieu Delormeau opened up with heartfelt honesty during the launch of his book, “Addiction,” published by Éditions Leduc. He shares his descent into the depths of drug addiction and his ongoing battle to break free from it. His account, rich in clarity and vulnerability, sheds light on the harsh realities of addiction while challenging stigmas surrounding mental health.
On the set of Buzz TV on April 29, 2026, Matthieu Delormeau candidly revealed some of the darkest moments of his life. In conjunction with the release of his book “Addiction,” the former familiar face from “Touche pas à mon poste!” spoke openly about his addiction, his isolation, and the long, fragile journey toward recovery.
Matthieu Delormeau on the Buzz TV set I Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl-0F0QA028&list=PL_3P3xgnwTL1ew15AmUTiWCtfhnCw6ovS&index=2
At the beginning of the interview, when asked how he was doing, his response was loaded with meaning: “Better and better.” While it may seem a simple phrase, it encapsulates a daily, almost invisible struggle, revealing an ongoing journey where progress is made in small, cautious steps.
Withdrawal: A Constant Struggle
Matthieu Delormeau does not sugarcoat his story. He openly communicates the extreme challenges of withdrawal, stating, “My body fights all day long,” illustrating a state of constant tension. Unlike someone healthy who may experience days as a given, he endures them as trials to overcome.
He describes an overwhelming sense of fatigue that pervades every aspect of his life. This weariness is both physical and mental, stemming from a relentless effort to resist temptation. “It feels like I have a fever every day,” he shares, conveying the ongoing nature of battling addiction: a body perpetually on alert and a restless mind.
Contrary to common misconceptions, recovery is not a straightforward path. It is filled with ups and downs, moments of strength and periods of vulnerability. Delormeau admits that he cannot guarantee permanent abstinence. “I wish I could say I will never touch cocaine again, but I can’t,” he confesses with realistic clarity.
The ‘Cravings’ – Invisible Traps
Among the toughest challenges are the “cravings,” sudden, uncontrollable urges that strike without warning. These brief but intense impulses can shake even the most steadfast resolve. “It lasts two or three minutes, but during those moments, you must be stronger than anything,” he explains.
This often misunderstood phenomenon highlights how deeply addiction is rooted in brain chemistry. It is not merely about willpower; it involves a real neurological mechanism. Delormeau likens it to “a puppy always begging for its treat,” illustrating how ingrained these desires can be.
What is even more disturbing is that these cravings can emerge during positive moments—after achievements or feelings of happiness. It’s as if the brain automatically links pleasure to substance use, creating a covert trap that demands constant vigilance.
A Lifelong ‘Monster’
One of the most striking aspects of his testimony is the metaphor of the internal “monster.” He fully embraces this notion: “I will have this monster inside me for life.” It represents a constant, silent presence that must be managed, not eradicated.
Matthieu Delormeau on the Buzz TV set I Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl-0F0QA028&list=PL_3P3xgnwTL1ew15AmUTiWCtfhnCw6ovS&index=2
His psychiatrist offered a different analogy: that of a lion. A wild animal that can be trained and controlled, but never fully tamed. “If you turn your back, it can attack,” he was told. This warning emphasizes that the danger of addiction is never entirely removed.
This perspective is not pessimistic but realistic. It serves as a reminder that recovery means learning to live with one’s past rather than erasing it.
The Descent into Darkness
In his book, as well as in the interview, Matthieu Delormeau reflects on how his addiction began. It was a gradual, almost trivial entry into a world he was unfamiliar with—an evening, new acquaintances, curiosity, and a chain of events that followed.
He describes a deceptive initial stage, where drugs appeared to offer benefits: energy, confidence, and enhanced performance. “For the first year, it’s fantastic,” he admits. But this illusion quickly fades, revealing the harsh reality of fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
Drugs evolved into a false remedy, a means of avoiding decline while simultaneously exacerbating it. A vicious cycle ensued, where each use fueled the very issues it promised to alleviate. “It creates the depression that pushes you to use more,” he summarizes.
As excesses accumulate, anchors in his life dissolve. He recalls days spent under the influence, consuming large quantities, and sleepless nights—all culminating in dangerously risky situations, sometimes nearly fatal.
Isolation and Deceit
One of the most striking themes in his story is the isolation he became trapped within. For months, no one suspected the extent of his addiction, neither friends nor family.
“When you’re addicted, you become very clever,” he notes. Lies, excuses, and manipulations become part of the daily routine to conceal the truth. A survival strategy that simultaneously reinforces loneliness.
Matthieu Delormeau on the Buzz TV set I Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sl-0F0QA028&list=PL_3P3xgnwTL1ew15AmUTiWCtfhnCw6ovS&index=2
He also acknowledges a certain distance from loved ones during this time, not out of a lack of love but because everyone was caught up in their own lives. This common situation illustrates how addiction can flourish in silence.
It wasn’t until a police custody incident that everything unraveled. A brutal and public revelation that was hard to manage. Yet even at that moment, the hold of drugs was complete. “All I could think about was getting more,” he admits.
Breaking the Stigma of Mental Struggles
Beyond his personal narrative, Matthieu Delormeau reflects a broader movement towards openly discussing mental health. He notably mentions Florence Foresti, who helped break down some of the stigma by speaking out about her own depression.
“There is no shame,” he emphasizes. This is an essential message in a society where outward success often conceals unseen suffering. He embodies this reality—a successful career, financial security, and a public image, yet grappling with profound inner turmoil.
He also challenges quick judgments that downplay the struggles of those perceived as privileged. “These are not trivial problems for the bourgeois,” he insists.
Rebuilding, Step by Step
Today, Matthieu Delormeau is focused on rebuilding his life. It’s a long, demanding process that relies on various pillars: therapy, medical support, rehabilitation, and new projects.
Work, in particular, plays a vital role. Regaining a sense of purpose and routine is crucial. He expresses gratitude for Cyril Hanouna’s support, which helped him return to the screen.
Matthieu Delormeau at the Paris Book Fair on April 19, 2026 I Source: Getty Images
However, he remains realistic about the timeline for recovery. “I was told it would take two years,” he shares. Two years to regain balance, soothe anxieties, and rebuild his life.
A Testimony to Raise Awareness
Through “Addiction,” Matthieu Delormeau does not aim to evoke pity. His deeper goal is to alert, educate, and share experiences. He underlines a crucial point: when it comes to drugs, no one is immune.
“Whether you are rich or poor, intelligent or not, the process is the same,” he asserts. This truth became evident during his recovery interactions with diverse individuals.
His message is clear: certain mistakes carry irreversible consequences, and addiction is one of them. “It’s a mistake you carry for life,” he states.
This unflinching warning resonates with heartfelt sincerity, potentially offering a chance for others to avoid falling into a similar trap.
