Shaquille O’Neal Opens Up About Painkiller Use on ‘Armchair Expert’ Podcast
Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal has candidly addressed his use of painkillers during a recent appearance on the "Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard" podcast. At 53, O’Neal raised questions about what constitutes addiction, sharing that he often took painkillers to maintain peak performance on the court.
During the episode, he reflected on a heated discussion with his doctors regarding his dependency on pain medication. “Is ‘addiction’ the chemical effect or are you just taking it?” he pondered. O’Neal acknowledged that while he didn’t feel high from the medication, he may have just been experiencing the absence of pain.
Emphasizing the pressure to excel, O’Neal confessed, “I needed to play great, not just good.” He recalled his mindset, asserting that the drive to avoid discomfort led him to regularly use painkillers.
Previously, in a 2022 interview with GQ, O’Neal talked about other health challenges, including sleep apnea, which he learned about only after retiring from professional basketball. During a routine check-up, doctors expressed concern over the negative impact of his painkiller use, indicating that his kidneys were suffering.
He stated, “I was dependent upon painkillers—not addicted,” describing days when he needed medication to function. However, he revealed that he has since moved away from painkillers.
O’Neal’s disclosure sheds light on the complexities surrounding pain management and addiction, reminding the public of the importance of awareness and support for those affected. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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