RAYE’s Family Feared for Her Life During Substance Struggles

British singer RAYE has opened up about a difficult period in her life when she struggled with drugs and alcohol. Her family worried so much that they sometimes had to check whether she was still alive, her sister Amma Keen revealed.

RAYE, whose real name is Rachel Keen, discussed the experience during an interview with CBS Sunday Morning on September 27. She described 2019 as a very dark year filled with trauma, frustration and substance misuse.

“I was very distant from my family, who are, my rock now,” the singer said. She explained that several painful experiences came together and left her with memories of one long, confusing period.

RAYE’s Sister Recalls a Difficult Time

Amma Keen lived with RAYE during that period. Watching her sister struggle was deeply upsetting, she recalled.

“It was pretty traumatic,” Amma said. She explained that she often had to check on RAYE to make sure she was safe.

Amma added that she was only 18 at the time. As a result, worrying about her sister placed a heavy emotional burden on her.

RAYE Opens Up About Her Struggles With Alcohol

RAYE has also spoken openly about her relationship with alcohol and other substances. She admitted that there was a time when she was “just not sober at all.”

However, a message from her grandmother helped her think about her life differently. Her grandmother sent her a Bible verse, although she did not know the full extent of RAYE’s struggles because the singer had kept them private.

Since then, RAYE has spoken about making changes to her life and finding a healthier way to deal with difficult feelings.

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RAYE’s Difficult Experiences Inspired Her Music

RAYE has previously discussed how painful experiences shaped her 2023 debut album, My 21st Century Blues.

Her career also faced challenges. In 2021, she publicly criticised Polydor Records after waiting years to release her debut album. She later left the label and pursued an independent career with support from her family.

In a February 2026 interview with ELLE, RAYE discussed how her habits had changed. She said she had become more disciplined and no longer relied on alcohol to numb her feelings or escape difficult moments.

Although she still occasionally drinks wine, she described having a different approach to alcohol than she did in the past.

RAYE Looks Ahead With a New Outlook

RAYE, a four-time Grammy nominee, is now preparing for her next album with a different outlook on life.

She has said that she prefers the more grounded person she has become. In addition, her relationship with her family has grown stronger.

Today, RAYE describes her family as a source of trust and safety. Their support has become an important part of her life as she continues to grow personally and creatively.