With many media outlets, including E! Online, reporting that former Disney star and heartthrob Zac Efron was “happy, healthy, and not drinking” after a five month rehab stint for alcoholism, other outlets are reporting that the actor, 25, was actually in treatment for a serious cocaine addiction.
Hollywood Life says the trouble began in early April while Efron began filming the upcoming Seth Rogen movie, Neighbors. A source tells celebrity news site TMZ that it was “common knowledge” that Zac had a problem with the drug after the former High School Musical star missed several days of filming. Another source confirmed the saddening news to the site, noting that Efron also dabbled with use of the drug Molly, a pure form of Ecstasy.
Perez Hilton, celebrity gossip blogger, also reports an even sadder part of the story. Zac and friends allegedly went on a cocaine bender in a room inside the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, racking up a nearly $50,000 in damage.
Despite this serious issue, Zac was able to keep his addiction out of the spotlight unlike many other stars his age. He was able to continue his professional life and went to the premiere of his film, Parkland, at the Toronto Film Festival earlier this month. The drama is about the JFK assassination, and he portrays Jim Carrico, the young doctor who examined JFK after he was killed.
At the red carpet event, Efron looked healthy and in very good spirits, telling reporters that he feels “good, real good.”