“I Fell in Love with It” — Steven Adler, Former Guns N’ Roses Drummer, Discusses Drug Experiences with Slash and Izzy Stradlin

Steven Adler, the iconic former drummer of Guns N’ Roses during the 1980s, recently shared insights into his drug addiction, which ultimately led to his dismissal from the band. Adler’s revelations were featured in the third episode of the Paramount+ documentary series Nöthin’ But a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of ’80s Hair Metal, which debuted on September 17, 2024.

In his candid discussion, Steven Adler explained that his initial experimentation with drugs was driven by a desire to fit in with his bandmates, Izzy Stradlin and Slash. He admitted that although the first two hits made him feel nauseous, it was the third attempt that changed everything.

“Who the hell do you think I was doing them with? When I started doing heroin, I wanted to be a part of what Slash and Izzy were doing. I took two hits; I was never so sick in my whole life. And wouldn’t you know what an a**hole I am, I had to try it one more time. And the third time was the charm. I fell in love with it,”he said.

Adler expressed pain over being fired from Guns N’ Roses due to his drug use, stating that he felt lost and continued to rely on drugs as a coping mechanism.

“I’ve always loved the whole team thing. That’s why putting a band together was so important to me, where we work together and create something. And then when my team threw me out, I didn’t know what to do. I know I could either have gotten better or continued doing what I was doing. I continued doing what I was doing. I was that hurt,”he reflected.

Steven Adler’s Dismissal from Guns N’ Roses in 1990

Throughout its four decades, Guns N’ Roses has had six different drummers. Steven Adler joined the legendary band in 1985 after original drummer Rob Gardner departed. Adler played on the band’s debut album, Appetite For Destruction, released in 1987, which contributed to the band’s explosive rise to fame.

Over time, Adler’s drug addiction significantly affected his performance, ultimately leading to his formal dismissal from the band on July 11, 1990. Matt Sorum, previously of The Cult, took over as drummer. In a 1990 interview with MTV, frontman Axl Rose revealed the circumstances surrounding Adler’s departure, stating:

“Steven didn’t leave the band. Steven was fired. We gave him every ultimatum. We had Steven sign a contract saying if he went back to drugs, he was out. He couldn’t leave his drugs.”

Adler’s struggles with drug addiction continued, resulting in his arrest for heroin possession in 1995. The following year, he suffered a stroke after a dangerous mix of heroin and cocaine, which left him temporarily paralyzed on the left side of his face.

In an attempt to overcome his addiction, Adler participated in VH1’s Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew in both 2008 and 2011. He notably reunited with the current Guns N’ Roses lineup for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2012.

In 2016, Adler made a memorable return to the stage, performing with Guns N’ Roses for four shows during their ‘Not in This Lifetime… Tour.’ Reflecting on his time with the band, he stated: