Belinda Carlisle success in some ways." During the initial stages of her tenure with the Go-Go's, Carlisle developed a serious addiction to cocaine and alcohol that would span thirty years. Simultaneously, she had also developed an eating disorder, which she said stemmed from media comments regarding her appearance; Carlisle's excessive cocaine use helped keep her weight down. Additionally, Carlisle admitted to using LSD, quaaludes, and MDA regularly as both a teenager and adult. In a 2017 interview, she told "The Guardian" that she "couldn't believe she wasn't dead." After a three-day-long cocaine binge in 2005, Carlisle says she looked at herself in
Real (Belinda Carlisle album) solo albums. Carlisle won over many critics who had previously reviewed her for her sensed lack of progression and willingness to take a chance with some edgier material. Randy Krbechek wrote "Belinda may not be the deepest songwriter in the world, but she delivers her tunes with conviction, and puts real meaning into her songs of love, life, and heartache. In fact, Real is one of the best albums addressing a woman's perspective on relationships". The album made its debut in the UK Albums Chart at number 9 on October 18, 1993, making "Real" Carlisle's fifth consecutive Top Ten album