Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker has revealed that a near-fatal plane crash in 2008 became his turning point after years of prescription drug abuse, while a recent diagnosis of precancerous changes in his oesophagus finally convinced him to quit smoking.

The 50-year-old musician disclosed that he was diagnosed with 'precancer of the esophagus' before stopping his long-standing habit of smoking cannabis. Speaking to rapper Kid Cudi on the 'Big Bro with Kid Cudi' podcast, Barker admitted he only quit after receiving the warning from his doctor.

'I only quit because I got diagnosed with precancer of the esophagus,' he said, adding that he previously smoked heavily and loved blunts.

His doctor, who is also a friend, reportedly warned him: 'This is your warning shot, Trav. Don't f*** around. You gotta stop smoking.'

What Is Oesophageal Precancer?

The oesophagus is the muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Precancerous changes occur when cells develop abnormalities that could potentially progress into cancer, although not all such changes become malignant.

One condition associated with precancerous changes is Barrett's oesophagus, which involves changes to the cells lining the swallowing tube, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It is often associated with long-term irritation caused by stomach acid reflux.

Barrett's oesophagus can increase the risk of oesophageal cancer, although the risk varies according to the presence and severity of dysplasia. For people with Barrett's oesophagus without dysplasia, the annual risk of progression is generally estimated at less than 0.5%. Dysplasia is a further precancerous change that increases the risk of cancer.

Barker has not publicly identified the specific condition behind his diagnosis, so it cannot be established whether he has Barrett's oesophagus.

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How a 2008 Plane Crash Became Barker's 'Rehab'

Barker previously opened up about his struggles with prescription painkillers, which began after he developed an intense fear of flying.

In his documentary 'Louder Than Fear', he recalled initially taking one or two OxyContin-type pills before flights to manage his anxiety. Over time, however, he became dependent on the medication and said he could no longer function without it.

At the height of his drug use, Barker said he needed a full-time security guard whose only responsibility was making sure he was breathing. His former wife, Shanna Moakler, also recalled him admitting to taking as many as 20 to 30 pills on some days.

The musician eventually survived a near-fatal plane crash in 2008 that killed four people, including his assistant and bodyguard, two of his close friends. He suffered severe injuries and spent about three months in hospital.

'I was in a plane crash. That was my rehab,' Barker told Men's Health in 2021, explaining that losing his friends and nearly dying forced him to reconsider his drug use.

He also recalled developing such a high tolerance to opioids that he regained consciousness during surgical procedures. After leaving hospital, he said he flushed his remaining drugs down the toilet.

Why Drug Addiction Makes Quitting Difficult

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), addiction is a complex and treatable medical condition involving changes in the brain, rather than simply a lack of willpower.

Repeated drug use can alter the brain's reward system, which regulates pleasure and motivation. It can also affect the circuits responsible for managing stress and controlling impulses, making it difficult to stop using substances even when they cause harm.

People attempting to quit may experience withdrawal symptoms, intense cravings and emotional distress. Environmental triggers, including familiar places, people and situations associated with drug use, can also increase the risk of relapse.

NIDA emphasises that recovery is possible with appropriate support, including treatments that help manage withdrawal, cravings and other challenges associated with addiction.

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