Justin Bieber references ketamine in cryptic social media posts about mental health

Pop star Justin Bieber sparked concern with Instagram posts mentioning ketamine.

Justin Bieber has sparked concern with a series of cryptic Instagram posts referencing ketamine and expressing frustration about societal pressures. The 31-year-old singer’s messages, shared on June 7, included philosophical musings on self-worth, mental health, and spirituality—along with a controversial mention of the drug.

In one post, Bieber pushed back against the idea that relentless hard work guarantees fulfillment. "People keep telling me there’s more work to do after I’ve given everything," he wrote alongside an extreme close-up photo of his face. "I listened to fools who told me to work harder, but there’s no end to trying to earn your spot in this life." He later struck a more optimistic note, adding, "You have everything you need right now."

Bieber also criticized modern work culture, arguing that life should center on love, not labor. "God will always inspire you to work hard," he wrote before adding, "Stop playing God, please." In a more alarming post, he shared an AI-generated response suggesting ketamine—a legal prescription drug used for depression and pain management—has been misused to "control people’s emotions," particularly targeting Black individuals.

The "Peaches" singer then shifted focus to spirituality, writing, "I always knew Jesus was the answer to our pain." He questioned the pressure to constantly self-improve, arguing that excessive effort can lead to self-absorption rather than genuine growth. His solution? "Let go, not try harder."

This isn’t the first time Bieber has shared enigmatic messages. Just days earlier, on June 3, he called "loyalty" manipulative, comparing it to mafia tactics. "Love over loyalty forever," he declared.

Amid his introspective posts, Bieber celebrated a major milestone for his wife, Hailey Bieber, whose skincare brand, Rhode, was acquired by e.l.f. Beauty—reportedly making her a billionaire. The couple, who married in 2018, welcomed their son, Jack Blues, in August 2024, with Justin occasionally sharing rare glimpses of their family life.