Vivek Dahiya On His Struggles With Alcohol During Lockdown: ‘Became A Lifestyle’

By Admin

26 May, 2025

When the world came to a sudden halt during the COVID-19 lockdown, many battled invisible wars behind closed doors. For actor Vivek Dahiya, known for his roles in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, Kavach, and Qayamat Ki Raat, the stillness of the lockdown brought with it an unexpected and personal challenge—a growing dependence on alcohol.

From Casual Sips to a Lifestyle

In a candid conversation on the podcast Uncensored with Shardul, hosted by Shardul Pandit on his YouTube channel Shaardulogy, Vivek opened up about his battle with alcohol addiction. He revealed that prior to the pandemic, he was only a casual drinker—more of a social drinker at parties, and never someone who drank out of sorrow or stress. But things shifted during the lockdown.

Vivek shared that his father, who had a similar casual attitude toward alcohol, once advised him to collect unique and high-end drinks during his travels. Taking this advice to heart, Vivek began collecting limited-edition bottles during his trips with wife Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya. Ironically, the very collection meant to be savored over time slowly became a source of concern. “During lockdown, I suddenly felt that if something happened to me, what would happen to these bottles?” he confessed. This irrational concern led him to start drinking from the collection—not out of joy, but out of a fear of wastage.

When a Habit Turns Into a Struggle

What began as a nightly ritual of sipping and watching content eventually evolved into a routine. “It became a lifestyle,” Vivek admitted. While he was never reckless with alcohol, the daily habit started impacting his health and well-being. From disturbed sleep patterns to a slowed metabolism and visible signs of fatigue, Vivek began to see the toll it was taking. “I started witnessing a pattern and realised this is not something I would like to continue doing,” he noted.

Choosing Therapy and Transformation

The turning point came when lockdown restrictions eased. People around him were returning to their lives with renewed energy, while he found himself physically and mentally drained. “I was stuck with a belly, no hair, dark circles,” Vivek recalled. It was then that he made a decision to turn his life around.

To overcome his dependency, Vivek turned to therapy, embracing meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness. These practices allowed him to reconnect with himself and concentrate on the goals he wanted to achieve. By staying present and intentional, he gradually distanced himself from the need to drink.

Breaking the Silence to Inspire Others

Today, Vivek and Divyanka continue to be fan-favorites, offering glimpses of their life through food, travel, and fitness content. But behind the perfect frames was a silent battle—one that Vivek chose to share with honesty and vulnerability. His story serves as a reminder that even those who appear strongest and happiest may be fighting private battles—and that it's okay to seek help and choose healing.

Vivek Dahiya’s journey from addiction to awareness is not just about breaking a habit—it’s about reclaiming control, choosing self-care, and most importantly, inspiring others to do the same.