‘For the next 1.5 years, I drank every day’: What Aamir Khan’s struggle after divorce from Reena Dutta tells us about how even success can’t shield you from emotional collapse

Despite public acclaim and professional success, Khan admitted to withdrawing from people and turning to alcohol to escape the pain. The contrast between his inner world and outer success is a reminder that emotional struggles don’t always look the way we expect them to.

How common is it for individuals to turn to substance use after a painful separation, and what are some early signs that someone might be struggling?

Psychologist Rasshi Gurnani tells indianexpress.com, “I often see people turning to substances like alcohol or drugs after a painful separation, not because they want to become addicts, but because they’re simply trying to numb the overwhelming emotional pain. It’s more common than we think. People who appear ‘fine’ on the outside might actually be silently crumbling inside. They might overcompensate by keeping busy, partying more, or becoming extra social — when in reality, they’re avoiding sitting with their feelings.” 

She adds that early signs include “withdrawal from close relationships, changes in sleep or appetite, mood swings, or even a subtle sense of disconnection from things they once enjoyed.” These might seem like personality shifts, but they’re often distress signals that go unnoticed.

When emotional numbness starts to replace coping

When Aamir Khan said he felt like he was trying to kill himself through drinking, Gurnani says, it reflects a very real and dangerous emotional numbness many experience. At this point, the goal is no longer healing but escape — and that’s where things can spiral. 

“If someone you love begins to shut down emotionally, avoid talking about what’s going on, or starts showing self-destructive behavior (even passively), it’s important to gently intervene. Don’t judge — listen. Help them connect with a therapist, stay present with them in their silence, and encourage them to express their pain rather than bury it. Often, just having one person truly see and acknowledge their suffering can shift the course,” stresses the expert. 

Can emotional trauma during major life events impact professional performance or creative output in unexpected ways?

Emotional trauma like divorce can absolutely impact someone’s creativity, clarity, and work ethic. Gurnani explains, “The person might find themselves uninspired, anxious, or simply unable to connect with their own work. On the surface, it may feel like laziness or burnout, but it’s often a symptom of deeper emotional unrest. Rebuilding focus starts with giving yourself permission to grieve. That grief must be processed — not avoided.”

Once acknowledged, healing often brings clarity. This is the time to return to the ‘why’ behind one’s work, reconnect with the original purpose, and create a routine that blends emotional care with small wins. In moments of chaos, regaining structure, no matter how basic, can help a person slowly return to themselves.