Lamar Odom & Substance Addiction

Substance addiction isn’t easy for anyone to face. Drug or alcohol misuse can impact any individual, regardless of career, social hierarchy, gender, race, or even celebrity status. From professional athletes to A-list actors and all those in between, the disease of addiction is a reality that society must confront head-on in order to save as many lives as possible. And whether you’re battling a substance use disorder or are simply an ally to those in battle, know the individual staring back at you in the mirror has the ability to make choices that can lead to long-term and positive change in order for us all to win.

Joy Sutton, host of American Addiction Center’s (AAC) stellar new talk show, Addiction Talk, had the opportunity to interview Two-Time NBA Champion Lamar Odom. Lamar discusses his battle with substance misuse, his new documentary, and his outlook on life.

In this authentic and in-touch interview, Joy asks the tough questions that we want answers to!

And with his celebrity status and platform, Lamar opens up about his experience with drugs, surviving a coma, and his belief that he’s still on this earth for a reason. It’s totally worth tuning in for future episodes of Addiction Talk and to listen to the episode with Lamar Odom where he speaks about his journey.

If you’re struggling with a substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD), help is within reach. American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a nationwide leader in addiction treatment and provides inpatient and outpatient care in a supportive and safe environment. So, if you’re battling with substance abuse, please reach out for help.

Drug Misuse and Hitting Rock Bottom

Lamar Odom has definitely lived life and has had some experiences that many of us can only dream about, such as getting in the National Basketball Association (NBA), let alone winning two NBA championship titles. But some of his life experiences that are not as much fun are those times that have helped to alter the course of his life.

Often people say that those struggling with substance addiction have to “hit rock bottom,” that is, be in a position that is so bad that it can’t get any worse, thereby motivating them to change the course of their lives by seeking treatment. And ultimately, through medical detox, treatment, and aftercare planning, they get the opportunity to experience long-term sobriety.

Lamar felt like he hit rock bottom more than once. But one of the times that stands out the most, he said, was when he woke up from a coma after having overdosed. The struggle he has with that entire situation is that he has no recollection of having taken any drugs the night before, he felt “hurt” and “embarrassed,” and he believes someone drugged him, which inevitably led to him being in that coma. During that time, he remembers being sober for roughly two days, supporting his point-of-view that he was drugged. Initially, doctors didn’t believe that he was going to survive the coma, let alone, walk and talk one day again. But he proved them wrong and is able to share his story in this interview and even in his recently released documentary.

Lamar’s documentary—Lamar Odom Reborn—just came out in May of 2021. The movie follows the professional athlete along his road to recovery, an overdose, and his near-death experience. When Addiction Talk Host Joy Sutton asked him about this film, Lamar said, “…the most painful time of my life has become the most therapeutic.”

To learn more about Lamar Odom, watch this recording of Addiction Talk. And if you find yourself battling with substance addiction, please reach out for the help that you need today.