Boy George says Buddhism has helped him stay sober.

The 'Do You Really Want to Hurt Me' hitmaker has struggled with drug addiction throughout his life but he claims his recent commitment to the Eastern religion - which aims to end followers' suffering through the elimination of ignorance and desire - has stopped him from relapsing.

Quizzed on whether he misses drugs, the 52-year-old musician said: ''No. No. I really took that to the ultimate conclusion. The last time I was out doing what we call 'research' I was thoroughly miserable but I couldn't stop myself. This is the curse of being an addict - you do something that's thoroughly unpleasant and you keep doing it. The difference between now and then is I know I'm an addict now.

''I went back to Buddhism last year. I messed around with it in the 80s - it was cosmetic then - but I'm really into it now. Chanting is all about polishing your mirror. What do you want to be? I feel like I'm out of chances; people have forgiven me so much, I can't let them down again.''

The former Culture Club star also reveals he was incredibly inquisitive as a child and constantly questioned his parents - leading the way for his famed boisterous nature when he became famous.

George - who is releasing his first new album of original material for 18 years, 'This Is What I Do', in October - told Q magazine: ''When I was really young, I was very quiet, very self-contained. Then, around the age of eight, it all went to hell. I always wanted to know why I couldn't do something - why I couldn't smoke, why I couldn't swear. I was always told to butt out of adult conversations and mind my own business. From the age of nine to about five years ago, I was out of control. The good news is I've finally grown up. I'm a much nicer kid now.''