From Headlines to Healing: Tuomas Enbuske Opens Up About Cocaine, Bipolar Disorder, and Finding Faith
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A candid new biography reveals the former media star’s years-long battle with addiction, mental health, and legal troubles, culminating in a surprising path to recovery and spiritual awakening.
Finnish journalist and television personality Tuomas Enbuske, once a fixture of Finnish media, has publicly detailed a harrowing five-year struggle with cocaine use and a subsequent diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The revelations, stemming from a new biography by Tuomas Marjamäe, paint a picture of a man grappling with inner demons, professional success, and ultimately, a search for redemption.
The Descent into Addiction
Enbuske first experimented with cocaine during a Christmas vacation in New York City in 2014, citing both financial means and a permissive social circle as contributing factors. “Why not – ther was money in the account and many in my circle used it,” he reportedly stated. “I snorted lines,” he confessed.
Career and Chaos
Throughout this period, Enbuske maintained a successful media career, hosting popular television and radio programs like Hypponen-Enbuske Experience and Enbuske, Veitola & Salminen. However, his personal struggles began to impact his professional life. Colleagues later described his behavior during the production of Enbuske,Veitola & Salminen (2016-2018) as “unbalanced” and “threatening.”
Adding to the turmoil, Enbuske faced financial difficulties, accumulating over one million euros in debt and grappling with a severe mold problem in his Espoo home. He described himself as “absolutely sick, type one bipolar, possibly even psychotic.” His television career ultimately stalled, and he retreated from public life, shutting down his social media accounts.
A Turning Point: Faith and Recovery
In January 2020, a friend intervened and took Enbuske to a health centre, leading to hospitalization at Aurora Hospital and subsequent treatment at Haartman Hospital’s addiction psychiatry clinic. During this time, he received diagnoses of Asperger’s syndrome, depression, and bipolar disorder.
In a surprising turn, Enbuske found solace in faith. Approximately one year ago, he publicly shared his religious conversion on Yle Perjantai, attributing his improved well-being to the “touch of the Holy Spirit.” He now describes his life as “calm and happy,” despite the lingering consequences of his past actions.
Calls for Drug Policy Reform
Enbuske has become a vocal critic of Finland’s drug policies, advocating for supervised consumption sites and the decriminalization of drug use. He argues that alcohol, not cocaine, is the more hazardous substance and questions the hypocrisy of condemning drug users while tolerating widespread alcohol consumption. “Someone is rolling around pepped up on Piritori, and another is drunk in Töölö. The only difference is that one has more money,” he stated. he also expressed frustration with politicians who condemn drug use while concurrently engaging in heavy drinking.
Looking Ahead
Enbuske, now 48, is focused on rebuilding his life. He hosts two podcasts – Viihderaamattu and Suomen Nostatuksessa – and writes columns for Kirkko ja kaupunki magazine. He is also working on a book about church services and an architecture-themed television series.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Enbuske remains optimistic. “All is peaceful and happy,” he says. “Work and money are less, but I’m getting by.” He has no desire to return to television, finding contentment in his current path. In his evening prayers, Enbuske expresses gratitude and hopes for continued peace, acknowledging that even this tranquility is fleeting. “knowing that it won’t last. But even for a moment.”
