Former NBA champion Lamar Odom has entered a rehabilitation facility following his recent arrest for driving under the influence, as he seeks to address ongoing substance abuse issues and prevent a relapse into harder drugs.
Odom was arrested on January 17 in Las Vegas when police pulled him over for speeding and detected the odor of marijuana in his vehicle. He admitted to smoking earlier in the day and was charged with DUI, driving more than 41 miles per hour over the speed limit, and improper lane change. The incident prompted him to reflect on his health and triggers from his past struggles, leading to his decision to seek professional help.
In response, Odom checked into a 30-day treatment program at the iRely Recovery facility in Los Angeles. His manager, Gina Rodriguez, confirmed that this was a personal decision to ‘reset and focus on his health,’ emphasizing that Odom is taking full responsibility and choosing to be proactive about his wellbeing. The program aims to help individuals with substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders find balance and cultivate wellness, providing a structured environment for his recovery journey.
Odom’s history with drug addiction is well-documented, most notably a near-fatal overdose in October 2015. He was found unconscious at a Nevada brothel, suffered multiple strokes and heart attacks, and was placed in a coma. His then-wife, Khloe Kardashian, put their divorce on hold to care for him during his recovery, highlighting the severe impact of his substance abuse on his personal life and relationships.
The relationship between Odom and Kardashian has been tumultuous, with Kardashian revealing in a recent episode of ‘The Kardashians’ that she hit him in the face after discovering he was using drugs again post-overdose. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges and emotional toll of his addiction on those close to him, adding layers to his public narrative of recovery and relapse.
In the past, Odom has explored various methods to maintain sobriety, including using ketamine under supervision in 2021, which he credited with helping him feel ‘alive, sober, and happy.’ Currently, his focus is on quitting marijuana, as he fears it could lead back to hard drugs, a concern rooted in his traumatic experiences and desire for a stable future beyond his basketball career.
Rodriguez stated that Odom is grateful for the support and committed to moving forward in a healthy, positive way. With this latest rehab stint, Odom aims to emerge ‘clean and clear,’ hoping to break the cycle of addiction that has plagued his post-basketball life. As he undergoes treatment, the public watches closely, with this step representing not only a health intervention but also a potential turning point in his long-publicized personal struggles.
