Jack White: My Demons Limit Me

THE [White Stripes](https://contactmusic.6lgx.com/white-stripes) rocker [Jack White](https://contactmusic.6lgx.com/jack-white) was so paranoid as a teenager, he still won't touch drink or drugs and is afraid of relationships with women.

The HARDEST BUTTON TO BUTTON singer was determined not to pick up traits from his elders as a youngster - something which ultimately stunted his personality and drove him to a nervous breakdown.

Jack, 28, says, "I would recognise characteristics in people like ego and temper and say, 'I'm not going to do that.'

"And it got to the point where I became so self-conscious that I sort of had a nervous breakdown when I was 19. I couldn't handle it. There was nothing I would let myself do. I wouldn't let myself enjoy anything.

"And remnants of that are still there. I don't do drugs, I don't get drunk. Girls I don't do. With this whole band, it's obvious how much we're limiting ourselves all the time.

"In the end, I'm happy with what gets created, because I know we didn't just throw it out there. But it's not a fun journey."

08/12/2003 21:16