Gina Alajar Opens Up: Struggles with Methamphetamine Use That Left Her Near Insanity After Staying Awake for Days

Introduction

Veteran Filipino actress and filmmaker Gina Alajar recently delivered a candid and powerful reflection on one of the most challenging periods of her life—one that unfolded behind the cameras, away from the spotlight and acclaim. In an emotional and unflinching interview, she revealed her past struggle with illegal drug use—particularly methamphetamine—that stemmed from pressures early in her career and extended well into her married life as a mother. The substance use led her down a physical and psychological spiral, marked by exhausting all-nighters, hallucinations, and near-breakdown.

This story delves into what Gina shared—her motivations, her inner turmoil, and how this chapter ultimately altered her personal life and family relationships. It is a testimony not just of addiction, but one of survival, courage, and the human capacity to confront one’s deepest fears.

Pressure Behind the Camera

Gina’s journey in show business began at an early age—when child actors were expected to be ever-ready, ever-performing, regardless of time or circumstances. She recalled how her early years on set were marked by endless schedules that sometimes stretched into the wee hours of the morning. That pressure shaped her worldview and opened the door to decisions she would later deeply regret.

She admitted that the sentiment behind her turn to drugs was driven by a mentality she heard often: “If you cannot stop them, join them.” It was a desperate rationale, born from an environment where insomnia, exhaustion, and prolonged work hours were normalized.

From Experimentation to Habit

Gina’s descent began with substances that many view as milder—marijuana—but curiosity, exhaustion, and opportunity led her deeper. Eventually, she found herself drawn to methamphetamine—a drug she would shockingly confess at the time she even “loved.” What began perhaps as experimentation transformed into dependence.

In her own words, using methamphetamine enabled her to push through physically demanding shoots, especially those without defined schedules. Transfer from one location to another, shooting numerous scenes consecutively, and no clear end time—these conditions made meth feel like a coping mechanism. Yet these were paths laden with irreversible consequences.

Staying Awake for Days, Losing Reality

Gina shared how, to keep pace with grueling demands, she endured extensive periods without sleep. The longest stretch she managed was seventy-two hours—three full days without rest. While methamphetamine provided the wakefulness she needed, it came at a steep cost. Prolonged sleep deprivation led to frightening hallucinations and a disconnection from reality.

She described a gradual unraveling of her senses: the line between wakefulness and unconsciousness blurred, perception and judgment faltered, and she felt herself drifting into a place where mind and body were no longer aligned. The warning signs were undeniable, but by then, the fragmentation was already in motion.

When Personal Life Began to Fray

During this time, Gina was not just navigating career pressures—she was also a wife and mother, his heart tethered to her children. The effects of her substance use extended beyond the set; they infiltrated the sanctity of home. Erratic behavior, emotional distance, and the pain of watching someone you love slip away created fractures in her family life.

Eventually, recognizing the danger—both to herself and to her loved ones—she made a profound decision: to leave the house, step away from the addictive cycle and, in doing so, protect her children and preserve what remained of her identity.

Turning Point and Recovery

The period she described lasted approximately three years. It was not a quick fix or a momentary slip but a sustained battle. Gina did not detail every step of her recovery, yet her decision to separate from the environment and from the destructive influences represented a turning point.

By removing herself from certain relationships and creating distance from the people and patterns feeding her addiction, she began the process of regaining her life. It was a path marked by pain, reflection, and ultimately accountability—one she walked with courage and resolve.

Legacy Beyond the Struggle

Today, Gina Alajar stands as a respected artist, director, and voice in Filipino cinema. Her work spans decades, layered with depth, nuance, and undeniable skill. But what sets her apart is her willingness to confront her past so openly—reminding us that behind many revered performances are human stories of struggle, redemption, and resilience.

By sharing her story, she offers a raw form of mentorship and empathy. She gives visibility to the private battles many face—and gives hope that one can reclaim life even after hitting terrifying lows.

Conclusion: A Story of Survival, Not Shame

Gina Alajar’s confession is not sensationalism—it is honesty. Her narrative is not one of downfall, but one of redemption. The pressures that lead one down dangerous paths can exist in the spotlight or anonymity. What matters is the choice to step off that path, to reach for help, and to rebuild.

Her words—about staying awake for three straight days, about loving a drug even while it harmed her—are not dramatic embellishments. They are testimony. To trauma. To the lengths one might go under pressure. And, importantly, to the profound strength it takes to turn back.