Tyler Perry Admits Barack Obama Helped Him Kick Alcohol Addiction Booze Eased Pain...

Tyler Perry has admitted he became heavily dependent on alcohol when his mother passed away four months ago and struggled to kick his habit.

The Madea's Witness Protection director spoke candidly to Essence magazine about how he used drink to ease the pain until a visit from President Barack Obama helped him face up to his problem.

"I'm doing a lot better now since I stopped drinking about four months ago when my mother died," Tyler told the magazine.

"When she got sick in 2009 I started drinking every night because I couldn't sleep — every night up to a couple of months ago. I never had a problem but I certainly was on way to having one."

"I'd have me a nice big glass of Hennessy and I would sleep through the night. It was President Obama's visit to my studio, I don't know what happened there, but when he came everything became clear."

"I just kind of came out of a haze. It was like, 'Wake up, kid. You know life is still going on. I know you miss her, I know you care but wake up. Life is still going on.'" I'm Big Blac this is your BHR HollyWood Reports

"I swear the day after he left was the day I just said I am going to sleep without it."