Dennis Quaid Calls Cocaine Addiction His "Greatest Mistake"

Speaking out for the first time about what he calls his "greatest mistake," Dennis Quaid revealed details about his prior cocaine addiction that threatened to wreck his career.

The "Dragonheart" star told Newsweek that he began taking the drug in 1974 and continued using it into the 80s, saying, "Cocaine was even in the budgets of movies, thinly disguised. It was petty cash, you know? It was supplied, basically, on movie sets because everyone was doing it. People would make deals. Instead of having a cocktail, you'd have a line."

The 57-year-old, who was formerly married to Meg Ryan, said his addiction became so bad he could only start the day by snorting a line of the drug, and that he realized one night that he was "going to be dead in five years" if he didn't seek help.

Dennis went on to say tell that, although it was a tough battle, his struggle has made him into the actor he is today. "It was one of those times when you think, 'Well, if I do the right thing and clean up my life, it‚ I'll get better.' No, it got worse! In 1990 I did 'Wilder Napalm,' which came out and went down the tubes. But that time in my life‚ those years in the in '90s recovering‚ actually chiseled me into a person ... If I hadn't gone through that period, I don't know if I'd still be acting."